Kenning is a synonym composed of several words that may be used in place of a single word. This approach is one of the ways that color and emphasis may be added to both the written word and the spoken word.

The development of the kenning has its origins in the ancient cultures of the Norse and the Celts. As part of the popular culture, storytellers and minstrels both would look for creative ways to conjure up images with the subject matter of their art. Essentially, this would involve finding colorful ways to use the most mundane objects. For example, the ocean may be referred to in the fanciful manner as being the land of the whales, while a simple tree limb may be envisioned as being a roadway for the squirrels.