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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. How many men, in a trial by ordeal, are required to test the heat of the water?
(a) 3 from "each side".
(b) 2 from "each side".
(c) 4 from "each side".
(d) 1 from "each side".

2. According to the author in the introduction what (other than "Beowulf") is the best -known Anglo-Saxon poem?
(a) "The Wanderer."
(b) "The Husband's Message."
(c) "The Seafarer."
(d) "The Wife's Lament."

3. In "The Battle of Maldon," who does Byrhtnoth order to dismount?
(a) His wife.
(b) Every warrior.
(c) His bard.
(d) The priest.

4. Who does the author of "The Battle of Brunanburh" state is a "man of discretion"?
(a) Byrnth.
(b) Constantine.
(c) Stolkharth.
(d) Grebes.

5. Wihtred was king over what people?
(a) Daneland.
(b) Kent.
(c) South Dane.
(d) Geatland.

Short Answer Questions

1. What poem is described by the author as "an antiquarian's delight"?

2. In what year was Bede born?

3. At what age (the boys' age) did Irish monks begin to train Anglo-Saxon boys as novices?

4. What is the name of the High Priest who "replied without hesitation in "King Edwin's Council"?

5. In a trial by ordeal, which rule speaks to the fine one would pay if found invalid and having broken the rules of the trial by ordeal?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the main theme of the poem "The Wanderer"?

2. What happened on Christmas day in 597 in Anglo-Saxon history?

3. What does Beowulf do right after killing Grendel's mother?

4. What purpose did the scop have in Anglo-Saxon history?

5. What did one of King Edwin's men state were the differences between their time and the time of "which we have no knowledge"?

6. What must Beowulf do to kill Grendel's mother?

7. Why does Unferth challenge Beowulf's fame?

8. What were some of the common problems that lawmakers had to address during the Anglo-Saxon period?

9. What is the topic of the six "so-called Elegies"?

10. Why does the author of the introduction to "Heroic Poems" call "The Battle of Maldon" one of "the best battle poems in the English language"?

(see the answer keys)

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