Sample Close Reading Beowulf 662-665

The poem suggests that Hrothgar might not be the great leader he is portrayed. Knowing that his own mead hall, Heorot, is to be attacked that night by Grendel, Hrothgar entrusts it to the care of Beowulf. The narrator refers to Hrothgar as "lord of the Shieldings, their shelter in war" (663). It is ironic that the shelter should seek his own shelter elsewhere. We are told that Hrothgar left "to lie with Wealtheow,/his queen and bedmate" (664-5). There is a strong emphasis on their sexual relationship. Hrothgar's priority should be the safety of his people; instead, he is seeking the pleasure of the marital bed.