Kennings

The use of kennings in literature is characteristically related to works in Old English poetry where the author would use a twist of words, figure of speech or magic poetic phrase or a newly created compound sentence or phrase to refer to a person, object, place, action or idea. The use of imagery and indicative, direct and indirect references to substitute the proper, formal name of the subject is known as kennings. The use of kennings was also prevalent in Old Norse and Germanic poetry.

Examples of kennings:

“Swan of blood” – Used in “Beowulf” to describe a sword.

“Battle-sweat” – Used in “Beowulf” to describe a warrior.

“World-candle” – Used in “The Seafarer” to describe the sun.

“Talon-tearer” – Used in “The Battle of Maldon” to describe a raven.

“Shield-bearer” – Used in “The Battle of Maldon” to describe a warrior.