ENGLISH 9 Kennings

WORKSHEET A1
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Kennings combine two words to create an evocative and

imaginative alternative word.

A kenning is a type of metaphorical compound word or phrase

used as an allusion to a simpler idea which (at the time) would
be readily recognized by the audience. It is a type of literary
trope in the form of a compound (usually two words, often
hyphenated) that employs figurative language in place of more
concrete single-word noun. For example, "whale - road" would
imply "ocean."

EXERCISE
Determine the meaning of the following kennings used in the Epic poem
“Beowulf”. Write the letter of your answer on the blank before each number.
The kenning has been described as a
Column A Column B kind of compressed metaphor with the
__________1. Strong-hearted wakeful sleeper a. recluse referent suppressed. Commonly used
__________2. That sin-stained demon b. force fighter kennings in Old English and Norse
__________3. In full battle-dress c. brave poetry include whale-road (for sea),
__________4. Ready with fighting gear d. outfit sea-horse (for ship), and iron-shower
__________5. A horrible hermit e. beast (for the rain of spears or arrows during
__________ 6. Devil from hell f. weapons a battle).
__________7. A dragon-slayer. g. Satan
__________8. Into a life devil h. struggle
__________9. Battle-sweat i. commander
__________10. The war trooper leader j. sinfulness

ACTIVITY
Give three (3) examples of Kennings and their meaning then use them in a sentence. You can search your answers via google.
Follow the examples in the table below.

Kenning Meaning Sentence

Four-eyes Someone who wears glasses That man with four-eyes, avoid him at all costs.

Henry always stays in the library, he is such a

Bookworm Someone who reads a lot
bookworm.

The president and his first lady visited another

First lady A wife of a president
country

Kenning Meaning Sentence