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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. Which of Medb's sons is beheaded by Cuchulainn?

2. Who is impressed with Cuchulainn's tree-chopping?

3. Who kills a guard dog?

4. Who recreated the magical spancel-hoop?

5. Which drunk man slept with his sister?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. Who makes up Medb and Ailill's great army?

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

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

7. Why do the two pig-keepers in the story begin to compete with each other?

8. How does Derdriu die?

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

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

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

Name three women from the novel and tell how each was important to the story. Give a brief character description of each as well.

Essay Topic 3

What is the significance of Fergus to the story? How might the novel have differed if he had not been introduced?

(see the answer keys)

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