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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. What colour were the saddles made by Manawydan and Pryderi?

2. How long was Llasar Llaes Gyfnewid's wife pregnant for?

3. Who opens the door that faces Cornwall?

4. Which of the following does Gwydion not use at some stage during the tale to create his illusions?

5. What weapon does Lleu Llaw Gyffes use to kill Gronwr?

Short Essay Questions

1. What happens to Branwen after the battle?

2. How does Pwyll win Rhiannon back from Gwawl?

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

4. Why does Gwydion suggest obtaining pigs from Pryderi?

5. Why does Cigfa become so fearful after Rhiannon and Pryderi vanish?

6. What happens when the door facing Cornwall is opened?

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

8. Why does Efnisien mutilate the Irish horses?

9. What period in history were the later tales in "The Mabinogion" written down in?

10. What conditions does Manawydan demand in exchange for the freedom of the mouse?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Choose two of the women who play a significant role in the tales, and compare and contrast their characters. Which of the two is the stronger heroine? Chose from:

(a) Elen of the Hosts (in "The Dream of Macsen Wledig")

(b) Enid (in "Gereint son of Erbin")

(c) Branwen (from "Branwen daughter of Llyr")

(d) Rhiannon (from "Pwyll Prince of Dyfed and "Manawydan son of Llyr")

(e) Aranrhod (from "Math son of Mathonwy")

Essay Topic 2

The Mabinogion often sets the plot events in places that the listeners would have been familiar with. Choose three of the real-world places below and for each, state which tale or tales that the place is mentioned in and the most significant events to take place there. Choose from:

(a) Caer Llion

(b) London

(c) Ireland

(d) Dyfed

(e) Cornwall

Essay Topic 3

Examine the stories that follow the folk-tale motif of the Ill-treated Wife. For each, explain why the woman in question receives ill treatment, what she does about the treatment and how her story is resolved. Your answer should deal with the stories of the following women:

(a) Branwen (Branwen daughter of Llyr)

(b) Rhiannon (Pwyll Prince of Dyfed)

(c) Enid (Gereint son of Erbin)

(see the answer keys)

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