Bright-Danes another name for the Scyldings, the reference to shining light.
Helmings Wealhtheow's original tribe.
King of Glory God, not Hrothgar.
body-warden a kenning for a chain-mail shirt.
shepherd of sins Grendel, perhaps in contrast to God as shepherd of souls.
fen low, swampy land.
palisade a defensive fortification or fence made of pointed sticks (pales).
protector of nobles Beowulf.
killer-guest Grendel. The poet ironically plays with the theme of hospitality.
