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Literary Devices

Figure of Speech

Kennings

A kenning is a compact compound or two-part figurative expression that substitutes for an ordinary noun, especially in Old English and Old Norse poetic traditions. Its compressed metaphor or metonymy names a referent indirectly, as when sea-road denotes the sea.

A kenning renames something through a compact compound or paired figurative phrase, often drawing on Germanic poetic tradition. Identify the ordinary referent and explain the compressed relationship between the kenning's parts.

The sailors crossed the whale-road before winter.
Whale-road compactly names the sea through an image of where whales travel.

See it in language

Examples of Kennings

  1. The sailors crossed the whale-road before winter.

    Instructional example

  2. At dawn the sky-candle rose over the fields.

    Instructional example

    Sky-candle figuratively substitutes for the sun.

  3. The shield-bearer guarded the narrow gate.

    Instructional example

    The compound names a warrior through a defining object and role.

Show more examples
  1. "Swan of blood"

    — Used in "Beowulf" to describe a sword.

  2. "Battle-sweat"

    — Used in "Beowulf" to describe a warrior.

  3. "World-candle"

    — Used in "The Seafarer" to describe the sun.

  4. "Talon-tearer"

    — Used in "The Battle of Maldon" to describe a raven.

  5. "Shield-bearer"

    — Used in "The Battle of Maldon" to describe a warrior.

Read like an editor

How to recognize it

  1. Look for a compact compound or two-part noun phrase replacing an ordinary noun.
  2. Name the literal referent the phrase substitutes for.
  3. Explain the metaphorical, metonymic, or cultural relationship joining the components.

Meaning and effect

Why writers use Kennings

Create concision
The device can create concision through its distinctive textual mechanism.
Create vivid comparison
Its pattern can create vivid comparison in context.
Develop tone
Writers may use it to develop tone for readers.

Follow the idea

Related devices

Questions readers ask

Frequently asked questions

Are Kennings only found in Old English poetry?

They are characteristic of Old English and Old Norse verse, but later writers can imitate the form.

Is every compound noun a Kenning?

No. A kenning normally contains a figurative or indirect naming relationship.