Healfdene

Background
Healfdene (Old English: Healfdene, Old Norse: Halfdan, Medieval Latin: Haldānus: "half Dane") was a Danish king from the Scylding lineage. He is mainly known as the father of Hroðgar and Halga who succeeded him as king. Healfdene had two brothers named Ro and Skat that he killed because they sought the throne. Healfdene's reign was cruel, including the hanging of all his brother's followers. He ruled for an extensive time and eventually died in his old age.

Strengths and Weaknesses
Healfdene was seemingly cold hearted and cruel during his lifetime. His strength comes from his ability to fight and his physical strength. His weakness is his cruelty, leading to being rather disliked.

Role in Beowulf
Healfdene's role in Beowulf was mostly known for being the father of Hrothgar, who is King of the Scyldings during the story. He is famous for this because during Hrothgar's reign, he won many victories and is seen as a successful king.

Old English
"forðgerīmed""weoroda rǣswa[n],""ond Hālga til,""hȳrde ic þæt ———elan cwēn," Heaðo-Scilfingas | healsgebedda. (59-63)

Modern English
"He was four times a father, this fighter prince:""one by one they entered the world,""Heorogar, Hrothgar, the good Halga""and a daughter, I have heard, who was Onela's queen," a balm in bed to the battle-scarred Swede. (Heaney 59-63)