Examples Of Kennings In Beowulf

Beowulf is a very prominent and also the oldest epic poem of Old English. For many centuries numerous of people have read and translated the unique piece of writing that came from the Anglo-Saxon literature. In Beowulf, Heaney and Moncrieff translates lines 710-736 in different ways, although at first a reader may assume that the two translations of the epic poem are not as different as it seems. However, by analyzing the lines, the reader may find many different basic literary elements that Heaney and Moncrieff uses that differ from each other such as diction, poetic form, and kennings.

One literary element that Heaney and Moncrieff differ from in their translations of Beowulf in lines 710- 726 is diction. This is done by how the translators

Both Heaney and Moncrieff uses keeps the originality of the Anglo-Saxon literature by using kennings within their translations of Beowulf to describe objects with a two word phrase. For example, in Heaney’s translation he uses kenning to describe guards as “hall-defenders” (719). Whereas Moncrieff in his translation of Beowulf, describes the guards as “hall-thegns” (719). This shows how Heaney and Moncrieff both uses kennings to describe the guards of Hrothgar. With the use of kennings, words are able to gain a more descriptive imagery, as kennings may also become personifications. For example, in Heaney’s translation of Beowulf is in line 710 when he describes the fog as “mist-bands.” This particular part creates an imagery to show that the mist is binding together to create a sort of fog. Another example on how kennings are able to become personifications is by Moncrieff’s translation in line 727 when he writes “leaping-flame.” This part describes Grendel’s eyes to fire with the use of kenning and personification, by how Moncrieff illustrates the fire as “leaping.” Ultimately, Heaney and Moncrieff uses kennings to illustrate their objects by kennings that may also connect to becoming