Final answer:
In Beowulf, the sword description commonly uses a simile, a literary device that compares using "like" or "as," to create vivid imagery and enrich the narrative.
Step-by-step explanation:
A common literary device found in Beowulf's sword description is simile. Similes are a form of figurative language that makes comparisons using the words "like" or "as". They help create vivid imagery and add depth to the text. For example, if the sword were described as "shining like the sun," this would be a simile. The use of simile can be found in various literary works to highlight characteristics and create a visual in the reader's mind.