Comparison of Hrothgar and Beowulf as Kings.

What makes a "well loved lord" (20), an "honored prince" (88) or a "leader beloved" (1827)? Cultures as well as individuals have differed in their definitions of a successful king for generations. The epic poem Beowulf introduces two kings: Beowulf, the protagonist of the story, the famed hero who slays monsters with his bare hands and then becomes king of the Geats, and Hrothgar, the king of the Danish court, who is grateful for Beowulf's help in overcoming …

…would much rather die as a hero than live as a king. This simply puts Hrothgar above Beowulf when they are compared as kings. Of Course one can see it differently if one's interpretation of a better king differs from the one presented, but such obviously necessary attributes such as being likable, trustworthy, and caring should carry over to all culture's definitions of an extraordinary lord, leader,king, or prince in some way or another.