Kenning: Difference between revisions
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A '''kenning''' is a device used in [[Norse poetry|Norse]] and [[Anglo-Saxon Poetry|Anglo-Saxon]] [[poetry]]. It is a metaphor of a distinctly Germanic heroic variety. A kenning frequently used in Anglo-Saxon Poetry is ''The Whale Road''. This means the road the whale travels |
A '''kenning''' is a device used in [[Norse poetry|Norse]] and [[Anglo-Saxon Poetry|Anglo-Saxon]] [[poetry]]. It is a metaphor of a distinctly Germanic heroic variety. A kenning frequently used in Anglo-Saxon Poetry is ''The Whale Road''. This means the road on which the whale travels, namely the ocean. A memorable Norse kenning is the [[alliteration]] ''Sword Sweat''. This means a liquid that appears on a [[sword]] when it is at work, which is [[blood]]. |
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Anglo-Saxon poets seem to have been comfortable using kennings that had already been used elsewhere, whereas Norse poetry valued originality more. |
Anglo-Saxon poets seem to have been comfortable using kennings that had already been used elsewhere, whereas Norse poetry valued originality more. |
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Latest revision as of 13:00, 29 August 2006
A kenning is a device used in Norse and Anglo-Saxon poetry. It is a metaphor of a distinctly Germanic heroic variety. A kenning frequently used in Anglo-Saxon Poetry is The Whale Road. This means the road on which the whale travels, namely the ocean. A memorable Norse kenning is the alliteration Sword Sweat. This means a liquid that appears on a sword when it is at work, which is blood.
Anglo-Saxon poets seem to have been comfortable using kennings that had already been used elsewhere, whereas Norse poetry valued originality more.
