When Beowulf first speaks with Hrothgar, he says, "I have come so far,/ O shelterer of warriors and your people’s loved friend,/ That this one favor you should not refuse me […]", what device is Beowulf using in this quote and why is he using it?

kenning

Explanation:

Kenning is a literary device widely used in medieval literature in Nordic countries. This device is used to replace words of direct and denotative meaning for words of figurative meaning.

We can perceive kenning in Beowulf's speech when he says "The shelterer of warriors and your people’s loved friend" instead of using the word king, thus translating a more poetic and connotative language.

it means that people are present over there who cares for us who loves us and we are never alone there is always a supporting hands behind us so never lose your hope and confidently move ahead to get success in your life.if you make mistakes there are people to make it correct

the anecdote makes readers feel sorry for the man’s lack of heritage, then reminds readers that the man has an equally valuable heritage.