Kenning: meaning, definitions and examples

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kenning

 

[ หˆkษ›nษชล‹ ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

literary term

A kenning is a traditional figurative expression used in Old English and Old Norse poetry. It typically consists of a compound of two words that describes something metaphorically, often in a poetic or descriptive manner.

Synonyms

compound expression, descriptive phrase, metaphor.

Examples of usage

  • The 'whale-road' refers to the sea.
  • A 'sword-sleep' is another term for death.
  • In poetry, the 'sky-candle' represents the sun.

Translations

Translations of the word "kenning" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น kenning

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เค•เฅ‡เคจเคฟเค‚เค—

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Kenning

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ kenning

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะบะตะฝะฝั–ะฝะณ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ kenning

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใ‚ฑใƒ‹ใƒณใ‚ฐ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท kenning

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ kenning

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท kenning

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์ผ„๋‹

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ูƒูŠู†ู†ุบ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ kenning

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ kenning

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ่‚ฏๅฎ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ kenning

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ kenning

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะบะตะฝะฝะธะฝะณ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ™แƒ”แƒœแƒ˜แƒœแƒ’แƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ kenning

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ kenning

Etymology

The word 'kenning' originates from Old Norse 'kenningr' which is derived from 'kenna', meaning 'to know' or 'to teach'. Kennings were widely used in Viking poetry as a way to create vivid images and deeper meanings, often reflecting the culture and environment of the Norse people. They became a notable feature of Old English literature as well, with poets like Beowulf's author employing them to add richness to their narratives. They often consist of a two-word metaphor that encapsulates a larger idea, resulting in a unique linguistic play that invites readers to think critically about the language and its meanings. As a result, kennings have not only held literary significance but also cultural importance in understanding the mindset of the societies that utilized them.