abysm of time a reference to the hellish chaos, the unfathomable chasm that spawned Grendel's mother and other descendants of Cain.
Aelfhere some scholars think that this is a reference to Beowulf, indicating that Wiglaf is related, perhaps a cousin.
battle-flame the sword, Hrunting.
Battle-Scylfings Swedes. The Geats have a long feud with the Scylfings.
battle-talon another reference to Grendel's claw.
body-warden a kenning for a chain-mail shirt.
The bold Scylding the poet associates Beowulf with the Scyldings, perhaps out of respect for his loyal service, even though the champion is a Geat.
bone-house a kenning for the body.
Bright-Danes another name for the Scyldings, the reference to shining light.
burnished polished until glossy.
chant-wood a kenning for the scop's harp, with which he accompanied himself as he sang or chanted a story-song.
chief of the War-Scyldings Hnaef.
crest-glider a kenning for ship.
