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

Short Answer Questions

1. Which of the tales should correctly be called "The Mabinogion"?

2. How does Llwyd transform his wife back into human form?

3. What is the meaning given for the place-name Llydaw and explained by the onomastic tale?

4. Where is the dream-castle located?

5. How many people does Macsen Wledig see in his dream?

Short Essay Questions

1. How do Math and Gwydion find Lleu Llaw Gyffes after Gronwr shoots him?

2. What happens to Branwen after the battle?

3. Why do the four have to leave the towns in Lloegyr they try to settle in?

4. Why does Aranrhod treat Lleu Llaw Gyffes so spitefully?

5. What are onomastic tales?

6. Where did the Three Romances originate from before being written for the Mabinogion?

7. What does Macsen see in his dream beside the river?

8. How does Math react to the news that Goewin has been raped?

9. Why do the serving women decide to accuse Rhiannon of murdering her son?

10. What role does Macsen Wledig play in the reconquest of Rome?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The motif of the magical food vessel seems to be an important one in Celtic mythology and in The Mabinogion. Choose three examples of these magical food vessels presented in the text and describe each in detail. Along with your description, explain the role that the vessel plays in the plot.

Essay Topic 2

Many claim that Celtic society assigned a high status to women. Bearing in mind that The Mabinogion is considered to be a very important collection of Celtic legend, do the tales in The Mabinogion support this view? Use examples from at least three tales to support your answer.

Essay Topic 3

Animals often seem to play a magical role in some of the tales of The Mabinogion. Choose three animals from the list below and describe some examples of how they are used the tales. Your answer should also state how the animals seem to affect the events of the plot. Choose from:

(a) pigs or boars

(b) mice

(c) horses

(d) birds

(e) deer

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 698 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample