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Riddle poem

Genre
Pronunciation

Understanding ARPABET Pronunciation

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The pronunciation guide uses the ARPABET phonetic system—the same system used in speech recognition and text-to-speech applications.

Vowel Examples:
AE1 = cat, bat
EH1 = bed, head
IY1 = see, me
OW1 = go, boat
UW1 = boot, do
Stress Numbers:
0 = no stress (unstressed)
1 = primary stress (loud)
2 = secondary stress (medium)
Example:
AH0 TH IY1 N AH0
= a-THEE-na (Athena)

The stressed syllable (marked with 1) is pronounced louder and clearer than others.

Quick Definition

A poem that poses a puzzle or question through metaphorical description

Detailed Definition
A riddle poem presents a metaphorical description of an object, concept, or creature that the reader must decipher, often using paradox, kennings, or withholding the referent; rooted in Anglo-Saxon tradition, it engages the audience in active interpretation and linguistic play.
Example
Example in poetry:
Riddle poem poses enigmatic questions: Anglo-Saxon “Ic wæs be Sonde” (Whalebone); “Voiceless it cries, wingless flutters…” (Plato’s riddle); Modern: “What grows when eaten? / My silence.”
Additional Notes
Riddle poem presents enigma for reader to solve, ancient tradition from Anglo-Saxon to modern. Related to kenning and metaphysical conceit. Study Exeter Book riddles. Balance clarity with mystery.
Also Known As
Enigma poem Puzzle verse Mystery poetry Riddle verse
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