Answer: Every king who had coastline or rivers that connected to the ocean usually had designated troops to guard the sea approaches to his kingdom. Hrothgar's "coast guard" is simply trying to ascertain whether Beowulf and his men come in peace or anger. Beowulf is characterized as " a mightier man-at-arms on this earth", "the distinguished one" and "one so valiant and venturesome" by the coat guard who is described as "undaunted", a "noble warrior", and with the title of "horseman of Hrothgar" (Heaney 247-248). Beowulf responds by saying he is the strongest in swimming and that he only lost the contest because of the sea monsters attacking him during the competition. Beowulf departs after a sorrowful goodbye to Hrothgar, who has treated him like a son. He returns to Geatland, where he and his men are reunited with their king and queen, Hygelac and Hygd, to whom Beowulf recounts his adventures in Denmark. He rules wisely for fifty years, bringing prosperity to Geatland. They trust him and he is welcomed but they can't bring the shields and spears in.
