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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 following is not one of the strongholds built by Elen?

2. Which of the following places are not seen by Macsen's messengers in the Island of Britain?

3. How fast is Rhiannon's horse travelling when the messengers pursue her?

4. Which well-known legendary hero appears in several tales within The Mabinogion?

5. What animal is killed in order to frame Rhiannon for the murder of her son?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Elen command the roads to be built throughout Britain?

2. What action of Pwyll's during his year in the Otherworld impresses Arawn as an example of virtue?

3. Why does Pryderi arrange for his widowed mother to marry Manawydan?

4. What is given to Matholwch and the other Irishmen in compensation for the mutilated horses?

5. What happens to Branwen after the battle?

6. Exactly what disappears during the thunder and mist, and what does not?

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

8. What three tokens of manhood does Aranrhod refuse to give Lleu Llaw Gyffes?

9. Where does Macsen Wledig fall asleep?

10. How do Bendigeidfran and his brothers know that the Irish ships are coming in peace?

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

The Mabinogion contains numerous examples of onomastic tales. Choose three places from the list below and for each, explain the following:

(1) How, according to the tale they appear in, the place earned its name

(2) How important the incident is in the plot of the tale in which it appears.

Choose from:

(a) Talebolion (Branwen daughter of Llyr)

(b) Llydaw (The Dream of Macsen Wledig)

(c) Caer Fyrddin (The Dream of Macsen Wledig)

(d) Creuwyron (Math son of Mathonwy)

(e) Caer Llud (Llud and Llefelys)

Essay Topic 3

Examine the three romances and using material in these, describe what a "typical" (idealised Arthurian) knight is like regarding behaviour, habits, appearance and abilities.

(see the answer keys)

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