hall-troops

[sitifan]

There was Shield Sheafson, scourge of many tribes,
a wrecker of mead-benches, rampaging among foes.
This terror of the hall-troops had come far.
Source: https://archive.nytimes.com/www.nytimes.com/books/first/h/heaney-beowulf.html
What does "hall" mean in the phrase "hall-troops"
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hall

 

[probus]

"Hall" has its usual meaning in such contexts: a large room with tables used for feasting.

 

[PeterCW]

The kenning hall-troops means the troops who were quartered in the hall. In other words the personal retainers of a lord.

I would recommend reading the twenty-one pages of introduction in the print edition before starting on the poem.

 

[5jj]

The kenning hall-troops

Were did 'kenning' come from?

 

[PeterCW]

Were did 'kenning' come from?

Google is your friend

 

[probus]

I googled kenning but found no help there @PeterCW.