KENNINGS Meaning and
Definition
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Kennings are a unique poetic device that originated in Old Norse and Old English literature. A kenning is a figurative expression, generally a compound word or phrase, used metaphorically to represent a person, object, or concept. These poetic circumlocutions often combine words of various meanings to create vivid and imaginative descriptions.
In a kenning, the poet replaces a familiar word with a creative and indirect reference, sparking the readers' imagination and curiosity. Instead of using direct language, kennings rely on the reader's knowledge and linguistic understanding to decode the intended meaning. For example, instead of explicitly mentioning the ocean, a poet might use the kenning "whale-road" to refer to a sea or body of water.
Kennings are often characterized by their expressive nature, employing vivid and evocative language to capture the essence of the subject or scene being described. They can evoke strong emotions and provide a fresh perspective on familiar ideas. Kennings are commonly found in epic poems, such as Beowulf, where they contribute to the rich imagery and lyrical quality of the text.
Overall, kennings are a poetic device that employs creative and indirect language to describe people, objects, or concepts in a figurative and imaginative way. By using kennings, poets engage readers' imagination and invite them to explore and appreciate the depths of their language.
Common Misspellings for KENNINGS
- cenning
- kening
- kennis
- kenins
- kennins
- oennings
- kwnnings
- ksnnings
- kdnnings
- krnnings
- k4nnings
- k3nnings
- kebnings
- kemnings
- kejnings
- kehnings
- kenbings
- kenmings
- kenjings
- kenhings
Etymology of KENNINGS
The word "kennings" has its origins in Old Norse, a North Germanic language spoken by the Vikings and other Scandinavian peoples during the Viking Age (approximately 793-1066 AD). The Old Norse term for "kennings" is "kǫnnungr" or "kenna", which translates to "to know" or "to understand". The word "kennings" was later borrowed into English from Old Norse, referring to a poetic device used in Old Norse and Old English literature to create metaphorical expressions by combining two or more words in a descriptive manner.
Similar spelling words for KENNINGS
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