Kennings as Pony Names · 8:01pm Dec 19th, 2013
Haven't decided on my pony name yet (because everyone has to have one, obvs).
However, I've been thinking over the idea that Kennings would make GREAT pony names. I mean, seriously. They usually come in two words, are descriptive/metaphorical (so I can see it being used to relate to professions or cutie marks), and draw upon cultural knowledge. Figurative language in general seems to be ideal for pony names.
Here're two delightful lists of kennings: Wikipedia and Kobold Press.
Slaughter Dew (blood) would make a great warrior name. Tree Breaker (wind) and Wind Racer (horse) sound like ponies already. Cloud Scraper (giant), Fire Beater (smith), the list goes on. I can definitely see modern kennings in use for pony names like Eye Candy, Couch Potato, Gas Guzzler, Fender Bender, Pencil Pusher.... In fact, Fancy Pants is canon!
Could also just make stuff up, especially drawing on Equestrian mythology or characters. Which is waaaay harder than you'd think. Day Candle for Celestia and Night Jewel for Luna, for example, is easy enough if a pony wanted to pay tribute to the Sun/Moon or either of said alicorn princesses, but trying to make something that is witty but still sounds like a nice name is difficult.
In any case, I've been wanting to take Hodge Podge for my own. It isn't really a kenning nor is it by any means original, but I can't really think of anything else that would bring the meaning of 'a bunch of random stuff' in one tidy phrase while still sounding like a nice name. No idea what a cutie mark for that would even be. But as a bonus, Hodge Podge also references Discordianism. Which is awesome.
Still thinking it over, but using kennings for pony names is one thing I can get behind.
P.S. Pinkie Pie's nemesis = Party Pooper?
Good idea. I might use one of those in my next "Twilight Zone" short.
1779424 Gasp! It's the thoroughbred of sin! Much flattered, evil sir.
1781695 I just used the name "Wind Racer" from one of those lists, here. So thanks!