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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 is the name of the woman that enchants Freyr?

2. What happens during the imparting of knowledge.

3. It is predicted that the strength of which person/group will fade away?

4. What is Helgi Hiorvard's title?

5. How old was Helgi when it was decided he would go into battle?

Short Essay Questions

1. What did Brynhild see in her dream?

2. What are Gunnar's thoughts regarding the possible loss of Brynhild?

3. What is Herborg's tale of woe?

4. What is the prophecy given by Freyia in regards to the gods?

5. What is Gudrun's message to Sigurd?

6. What happened to Gudrun after she gathered Sigurd's body?

7. Why is Gudrun angry with her sons?

8. According to the Edda, what were Gudrun's feelings about Sigurd?

9. Name at least one reason Thor objects to the marriage of his daughter to the ogre.

10. What do the men do before going up against Sigurd?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In many of the Eddas, people are turned into or are approached by talking animals. In some cases, people learn to communicate with certain animals by drinking blood or performing other rites. Choose one of the following: Write about the metaphors involved in using birds, such as eagles and ravens, in the Eddas OR how a person or god could be turned into an animal as a punishment, curse or lesson to be learned.

Essay Topic 2

As in most literature, love triangles are often the cause of pain and death. The same is true in the Eddas. In some cases, there is no actual infidelity, only the desire to have another's mate for your own. Discuss the moral implications of thought versus deed in regards to infidelity.

Essay Topic 3

Sigurd's and Brynhild's deaths bring about the aspect of Norse life regarding burial rites. Compare and contrast the burial rites of a hero versus a peasant. What is the major difference? Who typically handles the burial rites? Who was in charge of the funerals for Sigurd and Brynhild?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 617 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample