Eadgils

Biography
Eadgils, a semi-legendary king, sought sanctum in leadership sometime in the 6th century. He was son of a traveling Norwegian viking, Othere. Agreed upon by common lore, Eadgils gained legend through his animosity with Onela, who was often presented to be his uncle. Although, many sources enlighten his encounters with his Danish adversaries. Eadgils was a mighty warrior and is famously known for his part in the Battle on the Ice of Lake Vänern. In later sources, Eadgils is said to have married Yrsa, which ensued many conflicts of interest with Danish legends.

Strengths
A king with a vendetta, Eadgils was gifted with the virtue of ambition. In many stories of or including Eadgils, the king is battling with purpose; family, money, or vengeance. Purpose was a virtue in battle.

Weaknesses
Although his ambition carried him to his title, and through his great feats of battle, Eadgils is mainly portrayed as greedy and boastful. True to his name, which translates to a version of "wealth" in Anglo-Saxon, Eadgils was weak to his greed. As seen in the Skjöldunga saga, Eadgils is nearly robbed of his worth after battle due to his ignorance to repay his help.

Feature in Beowulf
In the Old English epic poem, Eadgils' father, Othere was said to be killed and succeeded by Onela. Eventually, Onela's champion killed Eadgils' brother, Eanmund, which spurred a vengeful hunt for Othere's title and life. It was with Beowulf's help that Eadgils was able to defeat his uncle and take his place.

Old English
"Sē ðæs lēod-hryres lēan gemunde

uferan dōgrum, Ēadgilse wearð,

fēasceaftum frēond; folce gestēpte

ofer sǣ sīde sunu Ōhteres,

wigum ond wǣpnum; hē gewræc syððan

cealdum cear-sīðum, cyning ealdre binēat." (2391-2396)

Translated
“In days to come, he contrived to avenge

the fall of his prince; he befriended Eadgils

when Eadgils was friendless, aiding his cause

with weapons and warriors over the wide sea,

sending him men. The feud was settled

on a comfortless campaign when he killed Onela.” (Heaney 2391-2396)