ANGLO-SAXON POETRYANGLO-SAXON POETRY

Each line divided into two half-lines Each line divided into two half-lines divided by divided by caesuracaesura (which is just a break (which is just a break or a space between each half of the line).or a space between each half of the line).

Two stresses in each half-lineTwo stresses in each half-line

Accented words in first half-line Accented words in first half-line alliteratealliterate with first accent in second half-linewith first accent in second half-line

There is no rhyme.There is no rhyme.

Alliteration and rhythm are the Alliteration and rhythm are the backbone of the poem’s structurebackbone of the poem’s structure

ALLITERATION is AWESOME and ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!

Alliterative words begin with the same sound. This may be the same letter: “Being bad bores Billy, and Bob believes being bold is better.”

Alliterative words may begin with different letters that make the same sound: Carl King can’t count kangaroos in Canada or Kenya. Gina just jumped over a giant jellybean!

NOT WHO, BUT WHATNOT WHO, BUT WHAT

KenningsKennings are phrases used in place of a are phrases used in place of a noun that describe or show the quality of the noun that describe or show the quality of the noun.noun.

King = ring-giverKing = ring-giver Ocean = sea roadOcean = sea road Eagle = sky diverEagle = sky diver

Modern Take on KenningsModern Take on Kennings

Dad Mum

Librarian: book-finder, bringer of storiesLibrarian: book-finder, bringer of stories Student: work-doer, grief-giverStudent: work-doer, grief-giver Dog: bark-maker, ankle-biterDog: bark-maker, ankle-biter

There is usually some indication of the noun’s There is usually some indication of the noun’s good or bad qualities in the kenning.good or bad qualities in the kenning.

CAEDMON’S HYMN

Now we must praise heaven kingdom’s Guardian

The creator’s might and his mind plans

The work of the Glory Father when he of wonders of every one

Eternal Lord the beginning established

He first created for men’s sons

Heaven as a roof holy Creator

Then middle earth Mankind’s guardian

Eternal Lord afterwards made

For men earth master almighty

Kennings are underlined in the lines above.

CAEDMON’S HYMN

Now we must praise heaven kingdom’s Guardian

The creator’s might and his mind plans

The work of the Glory Father when he of wonders of every one

Eternal Lord the beginning established

He first created for men’s sons

Heaven as a roof holy Creator

Then middle earth Mankind’s guardian

Eternal Lord afterwards made

For men earth master almighty

Alliterative words are underlined and in yellow in the lines above.

YOUR TURN TO BE THE SCOPYOUR TURN TO BE THE SCOP

Work with a partner to create at least two Work with a partner to create at least two different kennings for each of the words different kennings for each of the words below. Remember that the kenning should below. Remember that the kenning should hint at the quality (strength, bravery, or hint at the quality (strength, bravery, or function) of the word.function) of the word.

SwordSword RiverRiver ShieldShield KingKing HorseHorse ShipShip

SCOP CHALLENGE!SCOP CHALLENGE!

Write a poem in the Anglo-Saxon styleWrite a poem in the Anglo-Saxon style No fewer than four linesNo fewer than four lines Each line must have alliteration before and Each line must have alliteration before and

after the caesura (and don’t worry about after the caesura (and don’t worry about accented or stressed words this time).accented or stressed words this time).

Poem must have at least two kennings (use Poem must have at least two kennings (use some of the ones you just created).some of the ones you just created).

Use the Battle of Hastings as your subject.Use the Battle of Hastings as your subject.