Beowulf · Chapter
XXVIII: The Homeward Journey—The Two Queens explained
Beowulf and his retainers return to Geatland, laden with treasures from Hrothgar.
What happens
Beowulf and his retainers return to Geatland, laden with treasures from Hrothgar. They are greeted by the land-warden and proceed to King Higelac's hall. The chapter contrasts the generous and virtuous Queen Hygd with the tyrannical Queen Thrytho, who was reformed after marrying King Offa.
Themes in this chapter
Generosity and Hospitality
Hygd is praised for her generosity, while Thrytho's initial stinginess and cruelty are condemned.
Mortality and Legacy
Thrytho's violent past and later reformation highlight the lasting impact of a queen's actions on her legacy.
Characters to notice
- Beowulf
Returns to Geatland with treasures from Hrothgar, greeted by the land-warden.
- Higelac
King of the Geats, remains at home near the sea-coast; recipient of Beowulf's report.
- Wealhtheow
Mentioned as Hygd, young and generous queen of the Geats, daughter of Haereth.
- Ongentheow
King Offa, husband of Thrytho, renowned for gifts and battles.
- Grendel's Mother
Queen Thrytho, initially cruel and murderous, later reformed after marriage to Offa.
Key passages
“The building was splendid, the king heroic, Great in his hall, Hygd very young was, Fine-mooded, clever, though few were the winters That the daughter of Haereth had dwelt in the borough; But she nowise was cringing nor niggard of presents, Of ornaments rare, to the race of the Geatmen.”
The hall was magnificent, the king was brave, and Hygd, though young and new to the court, was wise and generous, giving precious gifts freely to the Geats.
Highlights Hygd's virtue as a generous queen.
“Thrytho nursed anger, excellent folk-queen, Hot-burning hatred: no hero whatever ’Mong household companions, her husband excepted Dared to adventure to look at the woman With eyes in the daytime; but he knew that death-chains Hand-wreathed were wrought him.”
Queen Thrytho was fiercely angry and hateful; any man except her husband who dared to look at her during the day would be killed by a sword.
Describes Thrytho's cruel and murderous behavior before her marriage.