Hygd, introduced in line 1925 of the poemBeowulf, is married to ofKingHygelac ofGeatland. She is the daughter of Hæreth.[1]
AfterBeowulf defeatsGrendel andGrendel's mother, he and his men returned to their native country, where they are received by Hygelac and Hygd. Hygd is beautiful, wise, courteous, and attentive. She pours mead in the drinking horns of the warriors thus fulfilling (in the same vein asWealhþeow, the queen ofDenmark) the important role ofhostess and cup-bearer in the poem.[2] The poet juxtaposes this virtue with the vice of QueenModþryð (who appears in line 1932).
Beowulf gives her three horses and a magnificenttorc (theBrosing, i.e.Brisingamen, the necklace of the goddessFreyja) that he received from Wealhþeow.
Hygd shows her wisdom and love for theGeatish people when her husband falls in the raid inFrisia against theFranks. Instead of securing the throne for her own offspring, she offers it toBeowulf as she considers her sonHeardred to be too inexperienced to defendGeatland against theSwedes. Beowulf, however, talks in favour of young Heardred and convinces her to proclaim himKing of the Geats instead.
Two Swedish princes,Eadgils andEanmund, arrive and ask for protection as their uncleOnela had usurped the Swedish throne. Heardred graciously offers them his protection, which leads to a Swedish invasion in which Heardred is slain. The Swedish warriorWeohstan kills Eanmund, and Beowulf can no longer refuse Hygd's offer of kingship.
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