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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, according to Cuchulaiin's girl, must he do without for one year?

2. Who convinces Cuchulaiin to go for more training?

3. Who forces Aife to bear a son?

4. How many marauders attacked Ulster when Cuchulainn had to save it?

5. Who is Finnbennach?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who does Derdriu marry and how does their marriage occur?

2. How does Conchobor become king of Ulster?

3. What was the prophecy spoken of Derdriu?

4. What one asset differs between the king and queen? Who is missing it and how does it make that person feel?

5. What does the owner of the prized possession think about the exchange offer and what is the ultimate result of it?

6. Who is the first person Cuchulainn kills with the gae bolga? Explain the circumstances that result in the death.

7. What happens when Cuchulainn realizes he has killed his son?

8. How does Cuchulainn slow down the great army? What is unusual about his technique? How does the army adjust?

9. How did Cuchulainn get his name?

10. Who is Fedelm? What is unique about her and what message does she share with Medb?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the protagonist in The Tain. Discuss the antagonist. Is there ever a time in the novel when it seems like they have reversed roles? Use the definition for the terms in your response.

Essay Topic 2

What is the primary theme of The Tain? How does the author present this theme? How does the theme develop throughout the story?

Essay Topic 3

What is inciting force and which character was the inciting force in this story? How did the character fulfill that role? Give three examples and discuss the importance of each one in detail.

(see the answer keys)

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