Haethcyn was King of the Geats until 514, succeeding Hrethel and preceding Hygelac. Haethcyn accidentally killed his brother Herebeald during a hunting accident, leading to Hrethel dying from grief; Haethcyn became the new king of the Geats. He kidnapped the queen of the Swedes in a battle, so King Ongentheow slew Haethcyn in battle; Hygelac succeeded him.