BEOWULF LESSON

Sally Reaves
1 2 th Grade Dual
3 December
2013

KENNING
A form of concentrated metaphor often
used in Old English poetry
Created from the compounding of words
or phrases

KENNING EXAMPLES
Storm of Swords
Battle

Whales Road
Sea

Seabirds Bath
Sea

Battle Light
Sword

Warfriend
Sword

World Candle
Sun

KENNINGS EXAMPLES
Sea Garment
Sail

Peace Weaver
Woman
(In particular a noble woman given in marriage to
settle a dispute or feud between warring
communities)

KENNINGS
1/3 of the original Beowulf text is written in
kennings.
Some have become so popular that they are
now clichs:
Ring-giver
Prince

Kennings were first used as synonyms so that

there would be alliteration in the poem
The Hall of the Heart

WHY USE KENNINGS?

A form of figurative language
Give more detail and description in
writing
Add voice to your writing

GROUP ACTIVITY
I am going to split you into 4 groups so we can get to
know kennings better.
Decide on one person in the group who will read the
passage to the class when we come back together as
a class.
You have about 10 minutes to complete this activity.

EXCERPT #1
Outsiders from across the water,
I say it again: the sooner you tell
Where you come from and why, the better.
The leader of the troop unlocked his word-hoard;
The distinguished one gave this answer:
We belong by birth to the Geat people
And owe allegiance to Lord Hygelac.

EXCERPT #1
Outsiders from across the water,
I say it again: the sooner you tell
Where you come from and why, the better.
The leader of the troop unlocked his word-hoard;
The distinguished one gave this answer:
We belong by birth to the Geat people
And owe allegiance to Lord Hygelac.

EXCERPT #2
Then the gray-haired treasure-giver was glad;
Far-famed in battle, the prince of the Bright-Danes
And keeper of his people counted on Beowulf,
On the warriors steadfastness and his word.
So that laughter started, the din got louder
And the crowd was happy.

EXCERPT #2
Then the gray-haired treasure-giver was glad;
Far-famed in battle, the prince of the Bright-Danes
And keeper of his people counted on Beowulf,
On the warriors steadfastness and his word.
So that laughter started, the din got louder
And the crowd was happy.

EXCERPT #3
He realized that the demon was going to descend
on the hall,
That he had plotted all day, from dawn light
Until darkness gathered again over the world
And stealthy night-shapes came stealing forth
under the cloud murk.

EXCERPT #3
He realized that the demon was going to descend
on the hall,
That he had plotted all day, from dawn light
Until darkness gathered again over the world
And stealthy night-shapes came stealing forth
under the cloud murk.

EXCERPT #4
They knew too well the way it was before,
How often the Danes had fallen prey
To death in the mead-hall. But the Lord was
weaving
A victory on His war-loom for the Weather-Geats.
Through the strength of one they all prevailed;
They would crush their enemy and come through
In triumph and gladness.

EXCERPT #4
They knew too well the way it was before,
How often the Danes had fallen prey
To death in the mead-hall. But the Lord was
weaving
A victory on His war-loom for the Weather-Geats.
Through the strength of one they all prevailed;
They would crush their enemy and come through
In triumph and gladness.

TODAYS KENNINGS
Kennings are still around today.
Ring giver
Beer goggles

Surfing the web

Bible thumpers
Rug rats
Tramp stamps
Sorry for the large amount of
kenning examples with
negative connotations .

CREATE YOUR OWN

Teacher
Love
Cell phone
Computer
Music
Anger
Car
School bus
Pay check
Landlord
Medicine

Cof fee
Camera
Candy
Police of ficer
Snow
Research papers
High school
First dates