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Kennings vs. Stock Epithets – A Quick Review kenning—a descriptive phrase or compound word that replaces a noun ex. in place of Grendel’s name: “the Almighty’s enemy” or “sin-stained demon” stock epithet – adjectives that point out special traits of people or things ex. “hell-forged” and “strong-hearted”

Kenning: A noun phrase which describes a well-known, familiar noun in a new and more descriptive way.  These are typically (not always!) two word phrases which give specific information about the qualities and characteristics of the noun the phrase replaces.  Kennings are very common in Old English and Old Norse poetry.  A metaphorical circumlocution (I love that phrase!)  Many (not all) kennings end with “er”/“or” although this is not a requirement.  A kenning can be almost like a puzzle or riddle, because its purpose is to show the item in an unusual way.

Examples: Primary Kenning Meaning Allusion Source Slaughter-dew Blood Norse Tree breaker Wind Norse Anglo- Whale/swan road Sea Saxon Anglo- Candle of heaven sun Saxon Anglo- Guardian of crime Grendel Saxon Anglo- Allmighty's enemy Grendel Saxon Battle's only Anglo- survivor Beowulf Saxon Anglo- Higlac's follower Beowulf Saxon shelterer of Anglo- warriors Hrothgar Saxon

Other examples of kennings: gas guzzler = truck, word spinner = pen Gottlieb Page 1

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Epithet: Adjectives or adjective phrases that describe special traits of particular persons or things.  Emphasizes a characteristic quality or attribute.  Typically compound adjectives.  Often (not always) repeated multiple times throughout the work. o When an epithet is used repeatedly (in one work or in many works) it is called a stock epithet.  The term is considered an element of poetic diction, or something that distinguishes the language of poetry from ordinary language.  Although epithets can be referred to as “nicknames” and they can (possibility) take the place of the given name for a person or an object, they must include a descriptive adjective. Examples: swift-footed Achilles (Homer) immortal bard Shakespeare the lion hearted King Richard (left England for Crusades)

Examples: Epithet Primary Meaning Allusion Source

Rosy-fingered dawn daybreak Odyssey

Deep-browed Homer Homer at work Keats

Snot-green sea sea Joyce Greek Earth-shaker Poseidon mythology

Sin-stained demon Grendel Beowulf

Gold-covered boards Floor boards Beowulf

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