The workshops were part of a project by Cambridge University's Anglo-Saxon Norse and Celtic Department. Find out more about it here where you can also find teaching resources. The exercise was devised by Emma Hammond , a writer and tutor from London- you can watch her reading out a couple of these poems here

We would love to add to this blog if possible. If you'd like to have a go- then here is a really simple explanation of how to write with kennings. It can be long or short and as experimental as you like. When you're done send it to eehammond76@gmail.com. Thanks!

LIFE BY DES'REE

Chorus:

Life, oh life, oh life, oh life,

doo, doot doot dooo.

Life, oh life, oh life, oh life,

doo, doot dooo



I'm afraid of the dark,

'specially when I'm in a park

And there's no-one else around,



Ooh, I get the shivers

I don't want to see a ghost,

It's a sight that I fear most

I'd rather have a piece of toast

And watch the evening news

(Repeat Chorus)



I'm a superstitious girl,

I'm the worst in the world

Never walk under ladders,

I keep a rabbit's tail



I'll take you up on a dare,

Anytime, anywhere

Name the place, I'll be there,

Bungee jumping, I don't care!

(Repeat Chorus)



life, doo, doot dooo

doo, doot dooo



So after all is said and done

I know I'm not the only one

Life indeed can be fun, if you really want to



Sometimes living out your dreams,

Ain't as easy as it seems

You wanna fly around the world,

In a beautiful balloon

(Repeat Chorus)