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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. How does Cuchulainn halt the army's progress upon Ulster?

2. Who is named king for one year?

3. Who decides to raise the evil child who screamed in the womb?

4. Who announces the day and time that is perfect for conceiving a child who would gain great fame in Ireland?

5. How does Cuchulainn chop down a tree?

Short Essay Questions

1. How did Cuchulainn get his name?

2. Why do the poets of Ireland gather in the section called "Before the Tain?"

3. What three tasks does Emer require her suitor to complete?

4. What is the prized possession being sought because of the king and queen's talk and where is it? What is offered in exchange for it?

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

6. What are the names of the two pig-keepers in the story and what unusual power do both have?

7. Why does Cuchulainn spare Orlam's charioteer, then kill him later?

8. How does Derdriu die?

9. What does Fergus say about Cuchulainn's childhood?

10. What vow does Cuchulainn make to himself and how is it related to the names of the fords and plains of the story?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Identify and discuss five points of foreshadowing from the novel. Did the author use foreshadowing effectively? Why or why not? Define foreshadowing in your essay as well.

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

Discuss the characteristics Joseph Campbell outlines for the mythical hero archetype. Which character best fits all of these characteristics and why?

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