| Handwan | |
|---|---|
| King of the Hellespont | |
| Religion | Pagan |
| Characters of Gesta Danorum |
|---|
 |
| Danish kings |
| Foreign rulers |
| Other men |
| Women |
Handwan was a king of Hellespont mentioned in Gesta Danorum. Having lost the war against the Curonians, exiled Prince Hading attacked Handwan's kingdom and eventually captured and ransomed him. Hading used the ransom money to fund the liberation of his kingdom from the Swedish usurper.[1]
Later, Hading's son Frotho I also attacked Handwan's city. Frotho infiltrated the city through trickery by disguising himself as a shieldmaiden deserter and then opening the gates from inside. Rather than surrender his royal wealth, Handwan put his treasures onto a ship and scuttled it. Instead, Frotho therefore requested the hand of Handwan's daughter in marriage. Handwan's courtly response pleased Frotho and ensured that Handwan's city remained independent.[2]
Handwan would have resided in the City of "Duna", which happens to be the Germanic name for Daugava and near Curonia.
- ^ "The Danish History, Book One". www.sacred-texts.com.
- ^ "The Danish History, Book Two". www.sacred-texts.com.