To learn what a Kenning is. Poem writing, Brain hurting, Thought provoking KENNINGS Learning Objectives: To learn what a Kenning is. To be able to write our own Viking Kennings.

Here is an example of a Kenning – what do you think it is about? A paw licker A day dreamer A milk drinker A stroke lover A dog hater A mouse chaser

What do you think the subject of this kenning is? A ball chaser A crowd pleaser A fast runner A sneaky diver A mate hugger A corner taker A goal scorer

What is this Kenning about? A word holder A story teller A best seller A page turner A cliff hanger A fantasy gateway

Each line is usually two words long. What is it ? A kenning is a way of describing something using clues rather than just saying what it is. Each line is usually two words long. A heat giver A light maker What type of words make up a Kenning? What word is missing?

The word kenning comes from a viking phrase which means: "to express a thing in terms of another“ It is like a ‘mini riddle’ used to describe something

The language of Beowulf Beowulf is much admired for the richness of its poetry - for the beautiful sounds of the words and the imaginative quality of the description. About a third of the words in Beowulf are words known as kennings. Kennings are words that are in themselves metaphorical descriptions, and were a typical feature of Anglo Saxon poetry. Kennings combine two words to create an imaginative alternative word. By linking words in this way, the poets were able to experiment with the rhythm, sounds and imagery of the poetry. Beowulf contains over a thousand kennings. Some well-known Anglo-Saxon kennings include: bone-house - the human body battle-light - sword wave-floater – ship Descriptions of the sea included: hronrad- whale road fiscesethel - fish home seolbæp - seal bath

These are Kennings found in Michael Morpurgo’s version Beowulf – what are they describing? Sky candle

These are Kennings found in Beowulf – what are they describing? Battle sweat

These are Kennings found in Beowulf – what are they describing? Wave rider

These are Kennings found in Beowulf – what are they describing? Sleep of the sword

These are Kennings found in Beowulf – what are they describing? Father protector

How do I write one ? Remember: Do not use the name or noun about which your kenning is based upon You can start a sentence with A .......... But you do not have to. Use two words or a short phrase to describe the subject. A ...................... .................

Each a group will now have a short time to brainstorm ideas about the subject they will write their Kenning about.

Now you need to write your own Kenning Remember: To use verbs to describe the subject further Think about what the subject does…. And if you want a challenge use alliteration A night flyer, A mouse eater, A silent swooper