KENNING Meaning and
Definition
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A kenning is a descriptive phrase or compound word used in Old Norse and Old English poetry to epitomize an object or person through metaphorical expression. It is a poetic device employed to create vivid and imaginative imagery by combining two or more words to replace a single noun. The purpose of a kenning is often to emphasize a specific characteristic or quality of the subject, offering a nuanced and precise description.
Kenning examples might include "whale-road" for the sea, "battle-sweat" for blood, or "sky-candle" for the sun. By substituting familiar words with metaphorical phrases, kenning enriches the poet's language and adds depth to the narrative. It often reflects the cultural context and mythology of the time, as many kennings are drawn from ancient legends and religious beliefs.
Kennings have been widely used in the works of renowned poets, including Beowulf and other Old English and Norse texts. Their popularity stemmed from their ability to capture the imagination of the audience and bring the poetry to life. By utilizing kenning, poets sought to create a vibrant and engaging atmosphere, evoking powerful emotions and sparking the reader's or listener's imagination.
In contemporary usage, the term "kenning" is also applied to compound word expressions in modern English poetry that imitate the style of the Old Norse and Old English kennings. These modern kennings follow the same principle of combining words for imaginative and metaphorical effect, albeit in a different linguistic and cultural context.
Top Common Misspellings for KENNING *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for KENNING
Etymology of KENNING
The word "kenning" is derived from the Old Norse term "kennig" or "kenna", which means "to know" or "to declare". It originated in the poetic language of the Vikings and was later adopted into Old English poetry. A kenning is a figurative expression or circumlocution used in Old Norse and Old English poetry to replace a common noun. This poetic device typically involves the combination of two or more words to create a descriptive compound, often used as a metaphor.
Similar spelling words for KENNING
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