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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 word does Medb use to describe her thighs in Chapter XI?

2. Who warns Cuchulainn that Medb is planning to ambush him?

3. What is the name of Cuchulainn's divine god-like father?

4. Where is Cuchulainn taken to recuperate?

5. Who slays the shepherd responsible for bringing the bull back in Section VII?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who saves Cuchulainn's life as he faces a man and his 27 sons?

2. Why does Fergus fear a mere boy warrior, Erc?

3. Why does Cuchulainn strut around the day after his bloody, warp-spasm induced battle?

4. Why does Ailill mock Fergus after he loses his sword? In what other way does Ailill mock Fergus and why?

5. How does the army attempt to move Donn Cuailnge from Black Cauldron to Conaille?

6. What, other than their fear of him, makes warriors not want to fight Cuchulainn? How does he get past this obstacle?

7. Chapter XIII contains a long list of great warriors as described by two people. Who are the people and what differs about their descriptions of the great warriors?

8. Who is Cuchulainn's longest battle with and why?

9. Specifically describe Cuchulainn's warp-spasm when he is older.

10. Why does Ailill enlist the help of a spy and what does the spy report back to Ailill?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Analyze the character, Cuchulainn, and his growth throughout the novel.

Essay Topic 2

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

Essay Topic 3

What is the difference between conflict and crisis in a novel? How are they similar? Also relate the differences and similarities specifically to The Tain.

(see the answer keys)

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