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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. How does Cuchulainn halt the army's progress upon Ulster?
(a) With a magical spancel-hoop.
(b) With a curse of pain.
(c) With pure luck.
(d) With a secret potion.

2. Who kills a guard dog?
(a) Macha.
(b) Cuchulainn.
(c) Conchorbor.
(d) Fergus.

3. How long does the curse on the men of Ulster last?
(a) 90 days.
(b) 9 generations.
(c) 9 years.
(d) 9 months.

4. Who is Finnbennach?
(a) The queen's lover.
(b) A king.
(c) A warrior.
(d) A bull.

5. Where is the inn in which Conchobor and his men find shelter during their hunt?
(a) Ireland.
(b) Brug.
(c) Ulster.
(d) Umster.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is the topic of the couple who is talking in bed?

2. Who is sent to find the story of "Tain Bo Cuailnge?"

3. Who gives the prediction that the first person to take up arms on a particular day would become a great warrior?

4. Which warrior lifted grown soldiers over his head?

5. How many neighborhood boys does Cuchulainn defeat as a toddler?

Short Essay Questions

1. How do the scholars learn the tale of the Tain in its entirety?

2. Discuss "woman's thinking" as the great army nears Ulster.

3. 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?

4. How did Cuchulainn get his name?

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

6. Why were the men of Ulster defenseless against a group of invading marauders? Why wasn't Cuchulainn affected?

7. What is unusual about Fedlimid's pregnant wife?

8. Describe the discussion between Ailill and Medb and what does it result in?

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

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

(see the answer keys)

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