Help solving Anglo Saxon riddle from Beowulf?

Question: Help solving Anglo Saxon riddle from Beowulf!?

If you could help me interpret this, I would greatly appreciate it!.

"I'm by nature solitary, scarred by spear and wounded by sword, weary of battle!. I frequently see the face of war, and fight hateful enemies!.!.!." What is this object!?

Again thanks in advance!. 10 points for solving this!Www@QuestionHome@Com

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker:

Yes, it is a shield!.

Students are often asked to solve the following Anglo-Saxon riddle: "I'm by nature solitary, scarred by spear and wounded by sword, weary of battle!. I frequently see the face of war, and fight hateful enemies !. !. !. " What is the object!? [Of course the answer is a shield]!.

As with most such riddles there was an intent by the Anglo-Saxon to teach the young!. Here the shield is a part of the warrior and a major part at that!. His shield was more than an object of war but became alive in the mind of the warrior and often given names personalizing and honoring them!.

A warrior's sword and shield were his most precious possessions!. There is the story of a Celtic chief supposedly throwing his 'Battersea' shield into the Thames as an offering to a river god!. This was considered a great offering to the Gods and a significant sacrifice by this warrior!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

Shield!.

http://www!.stavacademy!.co!.uk/mimir/riddl!.!.!.

I'm by nature solitary, scarred by spear
and wounded by sword, weary of battle!.
I frequently see the face of war, and fight
hateful enemies; yet I hold no hope
of help being brought to me in the battle,
before I'm eventually done to death!.
In the stronghold of the city sharp-edged swords,
skillfully forged in the flame by smiths
bite deeply into me!. I can but await
a more fearsome encounter; it is not for me
to discover in the city any of those doctors
who heal grievous wounds with roots and herbs!.
The scars from sword wounds gape wider and wider
death blows are dealt me by day and by night!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

A shield!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

it sounds like a shield or armor!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

a knights horse!.Www@QuestionHome@Com