I have now read Beowulf more times than I can count, but I can honestly say that I find something new to enjoy about the story every single time I read it! I've always paid attention to the kennings in the story, but I've never taken the time before this reading to actually mark them all as I go through. This time, I've been marking them as I see them. There are a LOT! I think it would be fun to write a story where I use my own made-up kennings throughout the whole thing....
I realize that the language of Beowulf makes it a challenge to read, but personally, that's what I love about the story. I get easily bored when it comes to reading in spite of the fact that I love to read and will read just about anything I can get my hands on. I love it when I read a book that has action, adventure, suspense, and maybe even just a little romance thrown in. This story has it all!
Of course, Beowulf the man always ticks me off with all his boasting. But it's difficult to dislike him completely. At the heart of it, he is only telling the truth and a large portion of his boastings are in response to someone else challenging him and he's simply responding--with the truth. But still....no one can be THAT perfect! (I probably dislike him as much as i do because I see myself in him! LOL!)
I really think you have hit on something in this blog. Kennings really make literature interesting. I think that kennings add to English what many other languages have that English otherwise lacks. There are phrases and words in other languages that cannot be completely or directly translated into English because they have specific meanings that are hard to find or non-existent in the English language. They usually hold a very specific meaning. Then there are those phrases that are almost like inside jokes in some languages. It requires the listener to be a part of the culture in order to get the joke on the first shot. Its like the old Chinese saying, "盲人摸象。". Literally translated it means, "Blind people feeling an elephant." The saying is often used when referring to people who are all saying the same thing, but cannot seem to understand each other. Now, this one has been adapted into American culture, but it is pretty close. If a person were foreign to the culture, the meaning would be lost upon them.
ReplyDeleteKennings somewhat provide these very specific meanings that the English language sometimes lacks. By combining specific words, the author can come up with meanings that a person can catch most easily when they are from or when they understand the culture of the author. Kennings are awesome.