View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. In which country did the story begin?

2. With what is the woman bribed?

3. The Edda features two birds conversing about Helgi. What kind of birds are they?

4. A man should never be ashamed of which of the following?

5. Which character turns into a bird?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the conversation between Brynhild and the giantess?

2. What does Sigrun's maid think when she sees Helgi riding into his grave?

3. Why is Gudrun angry with her sons?

4. Who is Gripir? What is Gripir's role in the Edda?

5. How should a wise Norseman speak?

6. How does Gudrun respond to Atli's invitation to her brothers?

7. What does Gripir predict in regard to the prince's daughter?

8. Name at least one reason Thor objects to the marriage of his daughter to the ogre.

9. Where did Oddrun encounter Gunnar? What was he doing at the time?

10. How does Iormunrekk react to the news of the arrival of Sorli and Hamdir?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Sigurd's and Brynhild's deaths bring about the aspect of Norse life regarding burial rites. Compare and contrast the burial rites of a hero versus a peasant. What is the major difference? Who typically handles the burial rites? Who was in charge of the funerals for Sigurd and Brynhild?

Essay Topic 2

Many of the characters in the Eddas were obsessed with treasure. Treasure seemed particularly valuable if it was taken from a slain enemy or stolen. What kind of treasure was most often found by victors and common thieves? Who was well known for finding and taking treasure? Which character was the most successful and therefore the wealthiest from taking booty?

Essay Topic 3

Thievery is a common theme in the Elder Edda. There are many lays and poems that contain tales of thievery among family as well as among enemies. Discuss the theft of treasures from family members versus fallen enemies. Which is the worst crime: stealing from your kin of from a man that you killed? Discuss the moral and practical implications of theft.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 605 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample