Handout

Kennings vs. Stock Epithets – A Quick Review

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This Kennings vs. Stock Epithets – A Quick Review handout also includes:

Bone-crusher. Troll-wife. Battle-sweat. Blood-worm. What study of Beowulf would be complete without offering readers of this Old English epic poem an opportunity to craft their own kennings and epithets? Provide individuals with a copy of a review sheet that includes a definition of each term and asks readers to identify the allusion in each kenning and epithet.

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CCSS: Adaptable
Instructional Ideas
  • Have individuals craft their own kennings and epithets for public figures or characters
  • Use in a study of Beowolf, Greek Mythology, or any Shakespearean play
Classroom Considerations
  • The exercise assumes class members are familiar with the parts of speech, phrases. and clauses
Pros
  • The review sheet includes definitions and examples of each term
Cons
  • Does not provide space for individuals to record their own examples
Common Core