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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 bird of the following is not involved in creating the image that holds Peredur spellbound, thinking of his lady-love?

2. Where does Owein wound the black knight?

3. How many maidens does Cynon see in the castle?

4. What did Llud use to destroy the Coranieid?

5. Who killed the white stag?

Short Essay Questions

1. How do Llud and Llefelys prevent the Coranieid overhearing the plans to destroy them?

2. Why does the author of "The Dream of Rhonabwy" say that nobody can remember the tale without a book?

3. Why does Glewlwyd Mighty-Grasp recommend that Culhwch should be admitted to Arthur's court?

4. How is Owein healed after his madness?

5. Who teaches Peredur in the ways of knighthood?

6. Why is Cei angry at the two dwarfs?

7. Why do Arthur's men stop him from attacking the Black Witch?

8. Where does Culhwch first see Olwen?

9. Why does Peredur's mother raise him in seclusion?

10. How do Cei and Gwrhyr find Mabon Son of Modron?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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)

Essay Topic 2

Several of the tales in The Mabinogion seem to have the transition from boyhood to manhood as their theme. Choose two of the tales below and for each, describe the attributes that the main character must gain in order to prove that he is a man, and how he obtains these. Choose from:

(a) "Culhwch and Olwen"

(b) "Math son of Mathonwy"

(c) "Peredur son of Efrawg"

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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