Question 1 of 5 Read lines 395 - 398 of Beowulf. Now you may enter, in your battle-armor, / wearing war- masks, to see Hrothgar; let shields stay here, tightened war-wood, / your battle-shafts wait the result of words. To what does the kenning war-masks refer? A. Helmets B. Wounds C. Tunnels D. Makeup

The kenning "war-masks" refers to A. Helmets. In Beowulf, kennings are creative compound expressions used to describe common objects or concepts. In this context, "war-masks" poetically represents helmets, which are essential pieces of armor worn by warriors in battle, providing protection to their heads as they prepare for confrontation. Additionally, the imagery used in this passage emphasizes the ceremonial aspect of warrior culture in Anglo-Saxon society. The act of entering with "battle-armor" and leaving behind shields suggests that there is an important negotiation or discussion happening with Hrothgar, highlighting the warrior's dual role as both a fighter and a diplomat in their world.