Question

1.2.5 quiz: beowulf
question 5 of 5
read lines 395 - 398 of beowulf.

now you may enter, in your battle-armor, / wearing war-masks, to see hrothgar; let shields stay here, tightened war-wood, / your battle-shafts wait the result of words.
to what does the kenning war-masks refer?

a. makeup
b. wounds
c. helmets
d. tunnels

Explanation:

In Old English poetry like Beowulf, kennings are metaphorical compound words. "War-masks" is a kenning for protective head gear worn in battle, as helmets cover the face like a mask and are used in warfare. The context of battle-armor and entering to meet Hrothgar also supports this, as warriors would wear helmets in such a martial setting.

Answer:

C. Helmets