Final answer:
Hrothgar is king of the Danes in the epic poem Beowulf, a powerful ruler whose peaceful reign is disturbed by the monster Grendel, leading to the arrival of the hero Beowulf. The correct answer is option b.
Step-by-step explanation:
Hrothgar is a character from ancient Norse sagas and medieval literature. Specifically, he is king of the Danes in the Old English epic poem Beowulf. Hrothgar is a respected and powerful ruler who has built a great hall named Heorot, where he and his warriors celebrate their victories. The peace of Hrothgar's reign is disrupted by the monster Grendel, which prompts the hero Beowulf to come to the king’s aid.
The character of Hrothgar is emblematic of the warrior-king culture of the Scandinavians during the Viking Age, and his interactions with Beowulf highlight the themes of heroism and nobility in the face of adversity, as well as the transition of societies from paganism to Christianity. Hrothgar is therefore best answered as (b) king of the Danes (people of Denmark) in the context provided by the question.