Kennings are two-word metaphors. (A metaphor is a literary device that compares two things that seem different but actually have something in common.)
The use of kennings in Beowulf provides colorful examples that enliven the poem. Here are several examples and their "translations."
whale-road (or whale-path), swan-road = the sea
bone-house = body
flashing-light= sword
ring-giver = king
gold-friend (of men) = generous ruler
battle-sweat = blood
sleep-(of the)-sword = death
mind's-worth = honor
Tuesday, May 1, 2018
What is a kenning?
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