Kennings (Figures of Speech)

KENNINGS (Figures of Speech)

A kenning is a poetic figure of speech in which a compound (two words together) takes the place of a noun. They are an important part of poetry in Old Norse-Icelandic and Old English, languages which have their own sets of rules and grammar. Here we'll talk about the use of kennings in modern English.

Here are some modern "kennings": ankle-biter (child), tree-hugger (ecologist), pencil-pusher (office worker), face-licker (dog).

Look at these translated kennings and try to guess their meanings before checking.

1. battle-light
2. battle sweat
3. bone-house
4. earth-hall
5. helmet-bearer
6. raven-harvest
7. ring-giver
8. sky-candle
9. sword-sleep
10. sword-storm
11. wave-floater
12. whale-road

ANSWERS: 1. sword; 2. blood; 3. body; 4. burial mound; 5. warrior; 6. corpse; 7. king; 8. the sun; 9. death; 10. battle; 11. ship; 12. the sea

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