Question

Both Beowulf and Hygelac own land and estates because of their inheritance, but why does the kingship go to Hygelac?

a) Hygelac is a more capable warrior and leader
b) Hygelac is older and more experienced
c) Beowulf willingly gives up the kingship
d) The people of the land prefer Hygelac as their king

Answer 1

Kingship in Beowulf is based on traditional succession and inheritance, where Hygelac inherits the throne due to his lineage and the cultural norms of the time. There is no evidence that Beowulf refused kingship or that it was intended for him over Hygelac.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question pertains to the epic poem Beowulf and the reasons for the kingship being passed to Hygelac rather than Beowulf. In the context of Germanic societies, the position of ultimate authority often went to the one with valid hereditary succession.

However, in Beowulf, we see that Hygelac becomes king partly due to his lineage, and there is no direct indication that Beowulf was intended for kingship or that he refused it. The historical backdrop here suggests that legitimacy was gained not only through warfare and reputation but also through traditional succession and inheritance, which was a widely accepted means for stability and continuity in rulership.

In essence, kingship was based on an established order that required the right lineage and the acceptance of the people.