This chapter details how Hrothulf, the son of Hrothgar's brother, begins to plot the overthrow of Hrothgar's kingdom after coming to Hart as an orphan. The first, third and last section of the chapter are told in poetry, with the rest in prose. Hrothulf arrives at Hart sullen, even though he is welcomed by the queen. Hrothgar does not trust the boy, who is fourteen, believing he has a proud heart like his forefathers. Grendel watches in glee as Hrothulf sharpens his knife.
Hrothulf sees injustice in the kingdom and the peasants as unthinking and mindless for allowing the king to rule over them. He asks why someone who steals bread is killed, while a murderer can go free due to better representation. The kingdom is based on violence, he says. He considers a.....
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