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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 does Culhwch's father see that lets him know it is time to take a second wife?

2. How many times is Peredur able to mend the sword after cutting through the column?

3. How does Lludd keep himself awake while he keeps watch over the hall at night?

4. Who is the rightful king of Powys?

5. Why can't the Coranieid be destroyed?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does the lion choose to follow Owein?

2. What do the Arthurian figures Rhonabwy meets in his dream say about Rhonabwy's looks?

3. Why is Cei angry at the two dwarfs?

4. Why and how does Luned rescue Owein?

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

6. What are the three plagues that strike Llud's kingdom?

7. Where do Owein and Arthur play their games of gwyddbwyll?

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

9. Where does Culhwch first see Olwen?

10. How does Enid travel to Arthur's court?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

"The Dream of Rhonabwy" contains a contrast between Arthurian days and "modern life" (from the perspective of the author, i.e. Medieval life). Describe and evaluate this contrast. Your answer should be structured as follows:

(1) Describe the Arthurian setting in the tale

(2) Describe the "real world' in the tale

(3) Decide which setting is more exaggerated and what you believe the author was attempting to say through the contrast.

Essay Topic 2

Describe how the character of King Arthur changes over time. Your answer should describe how he is portrayed in:

(a) "Culhwch and Olwen"

(b) the three romances ("The Lady of the Fountain", "Peredur son of Efrawg" and "Gereint son of Erbin")

(c) "The Dream of Rhonabwy".

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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