Kennings Based on the work of Mike Garry

What is a Kenning? A kenning is a compound figurative or phrase that aims to replace the noun. It consists of two words that describe the noun. Kennings originate from the Anglo Saxon. A kenning is a compound figurative or phrase that aims to replace the noun. It consists of two words that describe the noun. Kennings originate from the Anglo Saxon. Very simply, it is a way of describing something indirectly, like a metaphor or simile, and making kennings are a great way to introduce children to figurative speech. Very simply, it is a way of describing something indirectly, like a metaphor or simile, and making kennings are a great way to introduce children to figurative speech.

Early examples One of the earliest forms of kenning in literature comes from the poem Beowulf where: One of the earliest forms of kenning in literature comes from the poem Beowulf where: “seal’s field” describes the sea “seal’s field” describes the sea “skull splitter” describes an axe. “skull splitter” describes an axe.

Kennings, when written or spoken as a list, can create short riddles: Squidgy ball Squidgy ball Dotty skin Dotty skin Yellowy red Yellowy red Sticky fingers Sticky fingers Sweet lips Sweet lips Jigsaw pieces Jigsaw pieces What am I? What am I?

Animals are good to describe in kenning form: Quiet prowler Quiet prowler Night howler Night howler Free mealer Free mealer Chicken stealer Chicken stealer Rusty splasher Rusty splasher Hunter dasher Hunter dasher What am I? What am I?

Exercise Think of any noun – glasses, octopus, tomato. Now gather together groups of kennings that describe the noun. Think of any noun – glasses, octopus, tomato. Now gather together groups of kennings that describe the noun. Now put those kennings in a list and try to use alliteration, rhyme and rhythm to make the list sound poetic. When you have a list, share them with one another and see if you can guess what the other is describing. Now put those kennings in a list and try to use alliteration, rhyme and rhythm to make the list sound poetic. When you have a list, share them with one another and see if you can guess what the other is describing.