1. ANGLO-SAXON POETRY  Each line divided into two half-lines divided by caesura (which is just a break or a space between each half of the line).  Two stresses in each half-line  Accented words in first half-line alliterate with first accent in second half-line

2.  There is no rhyme.  Alliteration and rhythm are the backbone of the poem’s structure

3. 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!

4. NOT WHO, BUT WHAT  Kennings are phrases used in place of a noun that describe or show the quality of the noun.  King = ring-giver  Ocean = sea road  Eagle = sky diver

5. Modern Take on Kennings  Dad Dad  Mum Mum  Librarian: book-finder, bringer of stories  Student: work-doer, grief-giver  Dog: bark-maker, ankle-biter There is usually some indication of the noun’s good or bad qualities in the kenning.

6. CAEDMON’S HYMN Now we must praiseheaven kingdom’s Guardian The creator’s mightand his mind plans The work of the Glory Fatherwhen he of wonders of every one Eternal Lordthe beginning established He first createdfor men’s sons Heaven as a roofholy Creator Then middle earth Mankind’s guardian Eternal Lordafterwards made For men earthmaster almighty Kennings are underlined in the lines above.

7. CAEDMON’S HYMN Now we must praiseheaven kingdom’s Guardian The creator’s mightand his mind plans The work of the Glory Fatherwhen he of wonders of every one Eternal Lordthe beginning established He first createdfor men’s sons Heaven as a roofholy Creator Then middle earth Mankind’s guardian Eternal Lordafterwards made For men earthmaster almighty Alliterative words are underlined and in yellow in the lines above.

8. YOUR TURN TO BE THE SCOP  Work with a partner to create at least two different kennings for each of the words below. Remember that the kenning should hint at the quality (strength, bravery, or function) of the word.  SwordRiver  ShieldKing  HorseShip

9. SCOP CHALLENGE!  Write a poem in the Anglo-Saxon style  No fewer than four lines  Each line must have alliteration before and after the caesura (and don’t worry about accented or stressed words this time).  Poem must have at least two kennings (use some of the ones you just created).  Use the Battle of Hastings as your subject.