Kenning Lesson for Beowulf Unit

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Name:_______________________ Date:________ Period:_____ 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 Name:_______________________ Date:________ Period:_____ 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 Gottlieb Page 2 .

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