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

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Vainamoinen make out of the pike's body?

2. In what form does Louhi attack Vainamoinen, Ilmarinen, and Lemminkainen's ship?

3. Who kills the pike when Ilmarinen, Lemminkainen, and Vainamoinen run aground on the pike's back?

4. What does Lemminkainen do to the Lord of Pohja's head?

5. What does Lemminkainen discover when he returns from his hiding place?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

On more than one occasion, a woman is unfaithful to the man she is with or married to. What role does infidelity play in the Kalevala? Is there an expectation of fidelity in marriage? Is there a different expectation? When characters marry in the Kalevala, is their marriage the same as an ordinary marriage, or are the Kalevala marriages different?

Essay Topic 2

Are Lemmenkainen, Vainamoinen, and Ilmarinen heroes or gods? Are they immortal and fixed like constellations in their personalities? Or are they people who are larger than life because of their deeds and personalities? Cite examples from the text that support one argument or the other.

Essay Topic 3

Enchantments and magic are commonplace throughout the Kalevala. Are they used for good or evil? Are good and evil even appropriate terms to describe the use of magic and enchantment. If good and evil are not the most appropriate terms, how would you describe the uses to which magic is put? Is magic simply a matter of convenience? Fear or desire? Power?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 334 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample