Question

To what does the kenning war-masks refer

Answer 1

The kenning war – masks refer to the society whose livelihood is in the battlefield and the sea as were the mundane activities are held. The kennings presented with symbolisms are the spear din (represents the battle), bone crusher (Grendel), sea and whale road (ocean).

Answer 2

‘Kenning’ is a metaphor for Anglo-Saxon Beowulf which means to elevate and beautify the language of the text. Therefore kenning war-masks refers to Beowulf. There are many instances that personifications and metaphor are used for Beowulf. E.g. Mouth- word-treasure (Chapter V, line 2).