Storm
The Viking asserts, “and it would be better/for you to buy off with tribute this storm of spears,/otherwise we should deal in such a hard battle" (31-33). Comparing the spears to a storm underscores their large numbers which have been gathered in preparation for the war. The implication of the spears would be compared to a blizzard because bloodshed and injuries will be inevitable in the combat zone.
Heathens
Byrhtnoth states, “The heathens/shall perish in battle. It seems a humiliation/to let you go to your ships with our treasures/unfought—now you have come thus far/into our country" (54-58).The heathens refer to the sea-men. Byrhtnoth considers the sea-men pagans who ought to be destroyed in the battle.
War-hardened
War-hardened fighters are present in the battle: “Then the shelter of heroes ordered his war-hardened warriors/to keep the bridge. One was named Wulfstan,/keen amongst his kin, he was the son of Ceola,/who with his spear shot down the first man/who was boldest and stepped onto the bridge" (74-78). The metaphorical "war-hardened" accentuates the combatants' experience in war. They have participated in numerous battles to the degree that they do not dread war scenes anymore. Accordingly, they are accustomed to the ugliness and pain which is inherent in the war zones.
“Field of Slaughter"
Byrhthelm’s son states: “Now is passage granted to you, come quickly to us,/ as men to the fight: God alone knows/who will be allowed to control the field of slaughter." The 'field of slaughter' connotes the battle zone where some soldiers are bound to be felled by swords. A vicious confrontation is expected to ensue in the field, hence, the loss of some lives would be inevitable. Byrhthelm's son uses the metaphorical ‘field of slaughter’ to prepare his warriors about the upcoming brutality between them and their adversaries.
"Slaughter-Wolves"
The Viking army is equated to slaughter-wolves: “Then the slaughter-wolves waded—caring not for the water—/the Viking army, westward across the Pante,/ across the bright waters, carrying their board-shields,/sailing-men to the shore, bearing yellow linden.” The Viking army is ready to confront Byrhtnoth’s warriors. It is not discouraged by the cold water because its aim is to slaughter their foes as wolves would. The army is not inferior to their adversary since it is armed and equally brutal.
