what is a kenning in beowulf

A kenning is a special kind of metaphor considered artful in Anglo-Saxon poetry. It is a picturesque metaphoric compound in Old English that stands for a simple noun. In Beowulf, kennings are used to add vivid and creative descriptions to the epic poem, often functioning as riddles that require the reader to figure out the word being described. For example, "bent-necked wood" is a kenning for "boat." Kennings are also used to describe the main character, Beowulf, and to enhance the alliterative effect of the poem