View a FREE sample

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 sons of Llyr?

2. Why does Efnisien grow angry during the feast?

3. How many messengers set out on the journey indicated by Macsen's dream?

4. What is the mystery child left in the stable wearing?

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

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Which manuscript used to compile The Mabinogion is the earliest?

3. What does Elen insist on after the messengers salute her as Empress of Rome?

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

5. How does Pwyll win Rhiannon back from Gwawl?

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

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

8. What does Pwyll do that insults or offends Arawn?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

How is magic or the fantasy element used in the tales in The Mabinogion? To answer this, your answer should include the following:

1 Choose the tale that has the highest level of fantasy/magic in its plot and describe it in detail.

2 Choose the tale that has the least amount of fantasy/magic in its plot and also describe it in detail.

3 Describe the differences and similarities between the two tales you have chosen in regards to how magic is used.

Essay Topic 2

In The Mabinogion, what behavior is considered honourable or dishonourable? Choose two examples of behaviour described as honourable in the text and two examples of dishonourable behaviour. Describe each in detail, and include an explanation of how the honourable or dishonourable action affects the events of the plot.

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 712 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample