Kenned: meaning, definitions and examples
๐
kenned
[ หkษnษชd ]
historical reference
The term 'kenned' refers to a metaphorical compound expression often used in Old Norse and Old English literature to convey meaning in a more imaginative way. These figurative phrases replace a single noun with a descriptive phrase, creating a vivid image in the reader's mind. For instance, instead of saying 'sea,' a kenning might describe it as 'whale-road.' Kennings were popular among poets and bards, enhancing the artistry of their language and providing a deeper understanding of the subject. Their use has declined in modern language but can still be found in some modern poetry and literature.
Synonyms
compound expression, figurative language, metaphor.
Examples of usage
- whale-road for sea
- sky-candle for sun
- battle-sweat for blood
Translations
Translations of the word "kenned" in other languages:
๐ต๐น kenned
๐ฎ๐ณ เคเฅเคจเฅเคจเฅเคก
๐ฉ๐ช kenned
๐ฎ๐ฉ kenned
๐บ๐ฆ ะบะตะฝะตะด
๐ต๐ฑ kenned
๐ฏ๐ต ใฑใใใ
๐ซ๐ท kenned
๐ช๐ธ kenned
๐น๐ท kenned
๐ฐ๐ท ์ผ๋จ๋
๐ธ๐ฆ ููููุฏ
๐จ๐ฟ kenned
๐ธ๐ฐ kenned
๐จ๐ณ ่ฏๅฐผๅพท
๐ธ๐ฎ kenned
๐ฎ๐ธ kenned
๐ฐ๐ฟ ะบะตะฝะตะด
๐ฌ๐ช แแแแแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ kenned
๐ฒ๐ฝ kenned
Etymology
The word 'kenned' comes from the Old Norse word 'kenna,' which means 'to know' or 'to recognize.' This linguistic root reflects the idea that kennings involve a degree of imaginative recognition, where the listener or reader understands the metaphoric meaning behind the compound phrases. The tradition of using kennings flourished during the Viking Age, particularly within the poetic traditions of Norse and Anglo-Saxon cultures. These cultures valued oral storytelling, and kennings became a tool for poets to captivate their audiences. By the time they were used in works like 'Beowulf,' kennings had become an essential part of the poetic landscape, contributing to the richness and depth of the narrative. Over centuries, while the use of kennings declined with the advent of more straightforward forms of language, their historical significance endures, influencing modern poetry and creative writing.