Neighbor of the Franks and enemies of Hygelac and the Geats. Geats (Gestates) A tribe living in the south of the country now called Sweden. Beowulf belongs to this tribe. Grendel A man-eating monster, one of the 'tribe of Cain'. Hrothgar is described as a good king because he's generous to his thanes. Hrothgar builds a large mead-hall, with a roof made out of gold, called Heorot. The mead-hall is the home for the warriors and represents Hrothgar's desire to create a civilize society. Hygelac is the king of Geats and also Beowulf's uncle.
