Final answer:
Old English poetry is characterized by alliteration and kennings, and it was memorized through an oral tradition involving recitation and storytelling, rather than through rhyme, written scripts, or illustrations.
Step-by-step explanation:
Old English poetry is marked by a distinct style and set of conventions used to aid in its memorization and oral transmission. Contrary to what some might assume, Old English poetry does not primarily rely on rhyme and regular meter, which are often associated with poetry today.
Alliteration and the use of kennings are two of the most notable features of Old English poetry. Alliteration refers to the repetition of initial consonant sounds in closely positioned words, which creates a rhythm and helps to link lines together. Kennings, on the other hand, are metaphorical compounds or phrases that describe objects or people in an indirect and often vivid manner.
The memorization of these poems was greatly facilitated by the oral tradition of the time. Poetry would be recited and passed on from one person to another, allowing stories, traditions, and historical accounts to be preserved across generations before the widespread use of writing.