Hygelac (died c. 521) is a king of the Geats according to the poem Beowulf, which gives his genealogy: according to Beowulf, he was the son of Hrethel and had two brothers Herebeald and Hæpcyn and an unnamed sister who was married to Ecgtheow and mother of the hero Beowulf.
Hygelac was married to Hygd and they had their son Heardred, and an unnamed daughter who married Eofor.
When Hygelac's brother Hæthcyn was fighting with the Swedes, Hygelac arrived one day too late at Hrefnesholt to save his brother Herebeald, but managed to rescue the surviving Geatish warriors, who were besieged by the Swedish king Ongentheow and his three sons.
The Swedes found refuge at a hill-fort but were assaulted by the Geats.
In the battle, the Swedish king was slain by Eofor.
After the death of his brother Herebeald, Hygelac ascended the Geatish throne.
Hygelac then went on a Viking raid to Frisia and was killed.
Hygelac was succeeded by Heardred, according to Beowulf.
