Kennings are poetic devices used by the ancient Norsemen. For example, a skald (Norse bard) could say:
But it would be much more poetic to say:
There are two different types of kennings:
Skaldic kennings: These kennings tend to have a story behind them. For example,you wouldn't understand why poetry is called "Ship of the Dwarves" unless you knew the story of how the Mead of Inspiration was created and came into Odin's possession. Many of these kennings were written down by the Icelandic poet Snorri in the 1200's for his Prose Edda (also known as the Younger Edda). He feared much of the ancient lore would be lost after the Christian conversion.
Eddic kennings: These kennings are generally descriptive phrases or words that came into common use. Such kennings are purely descriptive and usually don't have a major story behind them. For example, gold can be called "Fire of the serpent's bed" because Scandinavian dragons are often pictured as sleeping upon piles of treasure. Others make referances to various events in Norse Mythology. For example, people are often compared with trees because the Norse Creation story has three of the gods create humanity from two blocks of wood.
Animals and beasts:These kennings are used to describe various animals and monsters.
Adjectives:Need a new way to describe that special (or not so special) someone? Follow this link!
War and combat:What's the difference between a blood snake, wound bee, and splitter of wood? Click here to find out.
Miscellanious:A variety of kennings for a variety of things.
People:Are you an apple tree of battle or a jewelry tree?
God name kennings:Not sure how to address one of the Norse gods or goddesses? Check here.
Nature:A variety of phrases to describe the world around us.