Have you ever encountered a phrase that seems strangely roundabout, a poetic way of describing something familiar? Perhaps you’ve read a line of poetry or prose where a simple noun is replaced by a compound metaphor. This, my friends, is often a kenning, and it’s a literary device with a rich history and fascinating application.
What is a Kenning? A Definition
A kenning is a metaphorical compound word or phrase used to name or describe something. Think of it as a compressed metaphor, a poetic substitution for a concrete noun. It’s especially common in Old Norse and Old English poetry, though the technique appears across many cultures and time periods. Instead of saying ‘king’ directly, a kenning might call him a ‘ring giver’ or ‘battle light.’ Instead of ‘sea,’ one might say ‘whale road.’
Simple Kenning Examples
Here are a few quick examples to get you started:
- Sun = sky candle
- Sword = battle flame
- Ship = wave rider
- Body = bone house
- Eyes = star gazers
Notice how each example doesn’t simply describe the object, but replaces the object’s name with a descriptive phrase. That’s the essence of a kenning.
The History of Kennings
Kennings originated in Old Norse and Old English poetry, particularly in works like Beowulf and the Eddic poems. In cultures with strong oral traditions, kennings served as a mnemonic device and a way to remember complex stories and genealogies. They also added a layer of poetic complexity and artistry, elevating the verse beyond simple narration. The skill of crafting and interpreting kennings was highly valued, demonstrating a poet’s wit and knowledge.
How Do Kennings Work? Deconstructing the Parts
Most kennings are composed of two or more nouns joined together, often using a possessive or linking word. Analyzing the component parts reveals the metaphorical connection.
Let’s break down “whale road” (for sea):
- Whale: Creatures that travel the sea.
- Road: A path of travel.
The image created is of the sea as a road traveled by whales. It’s not a literal road, of course, but the metaphor evokes the sea’s vastness and the journeys undertaken upon it. Understanding these component parts helps decode more complex kennings.
Types of Kennings
While variations exist, kennings generally fall into a few broad categories:
- Poetic Genitive: This uses a possessive relationship. Example: “swan’s road” (for sea – the road traveled by swans).
- Appositional Kenning: This describes the object through its function or characteristic. Example: “battle sweat” (for blood – the liquid lost in battle).
- Heiti (Old Norse): A synonym. While not always a compound, a heiti functions similarly by replacing a direct name with a related term.
In-Depth Kenning Examples
Let’s explore some more intricate examples, demonstrating the creative possibilities of this device.
| Kenning | Meaning | Explanation |
| Ring giver | King | Kings were known for generously bestowing rings upon their loyal subjects. The phrase emphasizes the king’s generosity and status. |
| Battle light | Sword | A sword shines and is used as a weapon in battle, acting as a ‘light’ in the darkness of conflict. |
| Sky candle | Sun | The sun provides light, like a candle, illuminating the sky. |
| Word hoard | Poetry/Story | A collection of words, like a treasure hoard, forms a poem or story. |
| Storm of steel | Battle | A chaotic clash of weapons resembling a violent storm. |
| Serpent’s bed | River | Rivers often meander and twist like a serpent. |
| Bone house | Body | The skeleton forms the structure of the body, a ‘house’ for the soul. |
Beyond Old Norse: Kennings in Modern Literature
While rooted in ancient tradition, kennings aren’t confined to historical texts. Modern writers sometimes employ kennings or phrases similar to kennings to achieve comparable poetic effects. Consider these examples, created in a similar spirit:
- Iron singer (for a gun)
- Dream weaver (for a storyteller)
- City of whispers (for a crowded marketplace)
- Star catcher (for an astronomer)
These phrases add layers of imagery and complexity, prompting the reader to pause and consider the deeper meaning.
Why Use Kennings? The Effects They Create
Kennings aren’t just about clever wordplay. They serve several important functions:
- Imagery: They create vivid and memorable images in the reader’s mind.
- Emphasis: They draw attention to certain qualities or characteristics.
- Complexity: They add layers of meaning and encourage interpretation.
- Rhythm and Alliteration: In traditional contexts, kennings often contribute to the poem’s rhythmic structure and use of alliteration.
- Cultural Connection: They link the reader to a specific cultural or historical context.
Crafting Your Own Kennings
Want to try creating your own? Here’s a simple approach:
- Choose a Noun: Select the object you want to describe.
- Identify Key Characteristics: What is it known for? What does it do?
- Find Related Nouns: Brainstorm words associated with those characteristics.
- Combine and Refine: Experiment with different combinations to create a concise and evocative phrase.
For example, let’s create a kenning for “computer.”
- Characteristics: Information processing, connection to the world, source of knowledge.
- Related Nouns: Mind, web, gateway, light.
- Possible Kennings: “Mind web,” “Light gateway,” “Knowledge loom.”
In Conclusion
Kennings are more than just archaic poetic devices. They represent a powerful way of thinking about language, a way of layering meaning and inviting the reader to participate in the creative process. Whether you encounter them in ancient epics or modern verse, understanding kennings enriches your appreciation of literature and unlocks a deeper understanding of the art of storytelling. So, the next time you come across a strange and evocative phrase, remember the kenning – a compressed metaphor with a long and fascinating history.