Hrothgar: the king, ring-giver of the Danes. Hrothgar is the descendant of Shield. Hrothgar and his thanes undertake the construction of Heorot: "[Hrothgar's] mind turned to hall building; he handed down orders for men to work on a great mead-hall meant to be a wonder of the world forever." Unfortunately, the mead-hall is later destroyed by domestic feud (lines 67-70) between in-laws. Hrothgar has a lot of domestic problems in his kingdom. Indeed, he cannot get rid of Grendel for twelve years and has to accept the help of a foreigner - Beowulf. Hrothgar's warriors cannot overcome Grendel, but instead they get drunk and pray to old gods for salvation.