What Is A Riddle In Literature. It is probably most well known for having a. The Exeter Book the largest extant collection of Old English writing contains punning rhymes and riddles in the form of kennings or compound words serving as a metaphors for a single word whale-road translates to the sea.
The riddle is a short poetic form with roots in the oral tradition that poses a question or metaphor. Riddle deliberately enigmatic or ambiguous question requiring a thoughtful and often witty answer. And the proverb elaborates the metaphorical possibilities when the images of the tale are made lyricalthat is when they are rhythmically organized.
When someone uses a riddle it can be a thought provoking challenge to figure it out on your own or it can be a funny comment that makes you laugh.
Riddles are often defined as a piece of literature or poetry that describes something yet to be named. In summation riddles provide the audience with a challenging question or statement that requires critical thinking in order to be solved. It is the largest collection of old English writings. A riddle is a statement question or phrase having a double or veiled meaning put forth as a puzzle to be solved.