SKENNING Meaning and
Definition
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Skenning is a literary term used in Old Norse and Old English poetry to describe a type of circumlocution or metaphorical expression. Derived from the Old Norse word "skenna," meaning "to see," skenning refers to a figurative way of describing something by using indirect or oblique language.
In skenning, the poet uses metaphors, similes, or allegorical expressions to evoke vivid and imaginative images in the mind of the reader or listener. These indirect descriptions often involve substituting a well-known term or concept with a related word or phrase that provides a new perspective or deeper understanding. Skenning is employed to create rich and layered meanings within a poem, adding complexity, depth, and entertainment to the verse.
Skenning can take various forms, including kennings, which are compound metaphors that combine two nouns to form a descriptive phrase that represents a single entity. For example, the kenning "whale-road" is used to describe the sea, highlighting its vastness and movement. Skenning can also involve metonyms, allusions, or personifications, among other literary devices.
The use of skenning was a prominent feature of Old Norse and Old English poetry, particularly in epic poems such as Beowulf and The Poetic Edda. It contributed to the distinctive and ornamental style of these poems, enhancing their imaginative and evocative qualities. Today, the term "skenning" continues to be studied and appreciated as a significant element of ancient poetic traditions, representing the artistry, creativity, and linguistic prowess of these early poets.
Etymology of SKENNING
The word "skenning" is derived from Old Norse "skemma", meaning "to cover" or "to hide". "Skenning" originally referred to a poetic device used in Old Norse and Old English literature known as a "kenning". A kenning is a metaphorical expression in which a compound word or phrase is used instead of a more direct term. In this context, "skenning" refers specifically to the act of veiling or covering something through the use of this poetic technique. Over time, the term "skenning" has come to also refer to a specific type of poetic expression denoting indirectness or obscurity.
Conjugate verb Skenning
CONDITIONAL
I
would skenning
you
would skenning
he/she/it
would skenning
we
would skenning
they
would skenning
CONDITIONAL CONTINUOUS
I
would be skenninging
you
would be skenninging
he/she/it
would be skenninging
we
would be skenninging
they
would be skenninging
CONDITIONAL PERFECT
I
would have skenning
you
would have skenning
he/she/it
would have skenning
we
would have skenning
they
would have skenning
CONDITIONAL PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
would have been skenninging
you
would have been skenninging
he/she/it
would have been skenninging
we
would have been skenninging
they
would have been skenninging
FUTURE
I
will skenning
you
will skenning
he/she/it
will skenning
we
will skenning
they
will skenning
FUTURE CONTINUOUS
I
will be skenninging
you
will be skenninging
he/she/it
will be skenninging
we
will be skenninging
they
will be skenninging
FUTURE PERFECT
I
will have skenninged
you
will have skenninged
he/she/it
will have skenninged
we
will have skenninged
they
will have skenninged
FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
will have been skenninging
you
will have been skenninging
he/she/it
will have been skenninging
we
will have been skenninging
they
will have been skenninging
IMPERATIVE
you
skenning
we
let´s skenning
to skenning
PAST
I
skenninged
you
skenninged
he/she/it
skenninged
we
skenninged
they
skenninged
PAST CONTINUOUS
I
was skenninging
you
were skenninging
he/she/it
was skenninging
we
were skenninging
they
were skenninging
PAST PARTICIPLE
skenninged
PAST PERFECT
I
had skenninged
you
had skenninged
he/she/it
had skenninged
we
had skenninged
they
had skenninged
PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
had been skenninging
you
had been skenninging
he/she/it
had been skenninging
we
had been skenninging
they
had been skenninging
PRESENT
I
skenning
you
skenning
he/she/it
skennings
we
skenning
they
skenning
PRESENT CONTINUOUS
I
am skenninging
you
are skenninging
he/she/it
is skenninging
we
are skenninging
they
are skenninging
PRESENT PARTICIPLE
skenninging
PRESENT PERFECT
I
have skenninged
you
have skenninged
he/she/it
has skenninged
we
have skenninged
they
have skenninged
PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
have been skenninging
you
have been skenninging
he/she/it
has been skenninging
we
have been skenninging
they
have been skenninging
