Kenning

POETIC DEVICES

A Kenning names something by describing its qualities in a two word compound expression (often consiting of a noun and a verb made into a noun using  an -er ending) for example mouse catcher = cat. The Kenning has its origins in Anglo-Saxon or Old Norse where Kennings were used to name swords: death bringer.

Kennings can be developed into a poem or a riddle but a Kenning refers to the two word expression. 

The example below builds a picture of a dog

My Dog
ankle biter
bone cruncher
night howler
rabbit catcher
love giver

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