heiti

poetic device

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June 29, 2026

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The term "heit" is a variant of "hait" and is used in skaldic poetry as a poetic device. Skaldic poetry, originating in Norway and developed by Icelandic poets from the 9th to 13th centuries, differs from Eddaic poetry in its meter, diction, and style.12

Heiti are uncompounded poetic nouns that serve as fanciful art words, distinct from everyday terms. For example, "brand" is a heiti for "sword," and "steed" is a heiti for "horse". These poetic terms, along with kennings (metaphorical circumlocutions), contribute to the ornamented and often abstruse language found in skaldic poetry.2

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skaldic poetry
…their language was ornamented with heiti and kennings. Heiti (“names”) are uncompounded poetic nouns, fanciful art words rather than everyday terms; e.g., “brand” for “sword,” or “steed” for “horse.” Kennings are metaphorical circumlocutions such as “sword liquid” for “blood” or “wave-horse” for “ship.” Sometimes kennings are extremely indirect; for example,…
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…their language was ornamented with heiti and kennings. Heiti (“names”) are uncompounded poetic nouns, fanciful art words rather than everyday terms; e.g., “brand” for “sword,” or “steed” for “horse.” Kennings are metaphorical circumlocutions such as “sword liquid” for “blood” or “wave-horse” for “ship.” Sometimes kennings are extremely indirect; for example,…
Read More