Kennings
Published on Nov 21, 2015
Introduces style and themes related to Anglo-Saxon literature: what is a kenning (examples of), what is caesura, etc.
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PRESENTATION OUTLINE
Used by Vikings and Anglo-Saxons
(500-900 C.E.)
Anglo-Saxon poetry blends two specific value systems:
1. Christian values from the early Britons
2. warrior values from the Viking invasions
Kenning: (Old Norse)
to describe, or
to understand
Photo by Jacob Surland
Traditional examples:
• ring-giver (king)
• battle-sweat (blood)
• side-stinger (sword)
Parts of a Kenning
Photo by peripathetic
the caesura:
a mid-line break or cut
Photo by peripathetic
Alliteration:
repeated sound
Photo by Adam Piotrowski
Kennings for ocean waves
(with caesura and alliteration):
a fish-path of windy-whispers
a boat-road of raindrop-raves
Photo by Adam Piotrowski
Kennings also need a
• base word metaphor
• determinant word
Photo by peripathetic
A base word metaphor for a sea kenning:
ex: HIGHWAY
Photo by blavandmaster
A determinant word clue for a sea kenning:
ex: a highway
for SHIPS
Photo by blavandmaster
Sample kenning
for "ocean":
ship-highway
Photo by blavandmaster
Modern kennings from "50 Ways to Look at Sheep" (Mark Grist):
• grass-trimmer
• bleat-giver
• field-roamer
Photo by Sunchild57 Photography.
