Beowulf and his men return to their ship and set sail for Geatland. The poet interrupts his report on Beowulf’s return to discuss the Geats’ Queen Hygd and the qualities of a virtuous queen as contrasted to a wicked ruler like Queen Modthrytho. After this interlude, the narrator returns to Beowulf’s arrival at King Hygelac’s splendid hall. Hygd passes among the thanes serving mead, reminiscent of Wealhtheow’s admirable hospitality at Heorot. Hygelac asks about Beowulf’s journey, and the young champion recounts his visit to the Scyldings, digressing to consider Hrothgar’s attempt to make peace with the Heathobards.
Returning to his own story, Beowulf briefly reports on his victory over Grendel, the surprise attack by Grendel’s mother, and his triumph at the cave beneath the mere. Beowulf presents various treasures to Hygelac and Hygd, most notably presenting the queen with the magnificent gold necklace that Wealhtheow gave him. Hygelac rewards Beowulf with a rare heirloom, a sword covered with gold. He also honors the young warrior with “lands, seven thousand hides, / a hall, and gift-throne” (2195–96). Beowulf is now a lord of the realm, but it is clear that he still owes his allegiance to Hygelac.
