kingdom of waters here, simply a reference to the mere and the ogres' hideaway.
the lord of those rings Beowulf, with a reference to the rings that form his mail-shirt.
battle-flame the sword, Hrunting.
burnished polished until glossy.
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.
the shearer of life-threads the magical giant sword.
gray-bearded elders Hrothgar's senior advisors.
the ninth hour the "nones," the ninth hour after sunrise, 3 p.m. As Chickering points out (p. 338), this is "the same hour that Christ, abandoned by all but a faithful few, died on the cross (see Luke 23:44–46)."
protector of sailors Beowulf.
