Irish Myth: Book of Invasions

15 Points Per Correct Answer - No time limit  

1. Partholan son of Sera drove what demonic tribe off of Ireland's mainland? Rutulians Fomorians Mabinogi Milesians

2. In the shape of a wild boar, Tuan witnessed the invasion of the Firbolg. Which of the following was not a Firbolg tribe? Efrawg Fir-Domnan Fir-Bolg Galioin

3. The Tuatha de Danaan flew into Connacht in magical boats from the four cities Falias, Gorias, Finias and Murias, bringing with them four great treasures. Which of the following was not one of the treasures of the Danaans? The Sword of Nuada The Cauldron of the Dagda The Spear of Lugh The Ring of Mananan

4. The Danaans battled the Firbolg at Moytura, where one of the Danaans famously lost a hand. Who was it? Bres Tyr Lugh Nuada

5. Fomorian King Balor ('of the Evil Eye') invaded mainland Ireland from Tory Island, only to be thwarted mainly by Lugh. What was Lugh's relationship to Balor? Foster brother Cousin Foster son Grandson

6. After Balor was killed by Lugh, the Fomor were routed. The Danaan host took the fight to the Fomorian stronghold, where the definitive defeat of the Fomor was engineered with the crucial use of what object? The Pig-Skin of Tuis The Sword Fragarach (the Answerer) The Harp of the Dagda The Boat of Duach

7. What ever happened to the Danaans? The modern Irish are their direct descendants. Tired of strife and set off westering in magical boats for the Fortunate Isles. Defeated in battle with mortals and retreated to Tir na Nog. Voluntarily abdicated domain over Ireland to the mortal descendants of Lugh, retiring to Annwn.

8. Tuan, nephew of Partholan, had witnessed the invasions of the Nemedians (as a stag), the Firbolg (as a wild boar) and the Tuatha de Danaan (as a sea-eagle). Centuries later, he effected one final transformation before relating all he had witnessed to sixth-century Abbot Finnen, who wrote it all down. What was Tuan's final transformation? Into a salamander, which survived the passage of time by dwelling in a fiery volcano. Into a shining light which entered the Abbot's window in response to his fervid prayers for knowledge of Irish history. Into a butterfly, which drank the dew from the fruit of Mananan's magical orchard to regain the power of human speech. Into a fish consumed by the wife of Chief Carell, after which he was reborn as 'Tuan Mac Carell.'

9. What fate befell Lir's sons (Conn, Fiachra, Hugh) and daughter (Fionaula)? Lived nine hundred years as swans. Taken as hostages by brother-kings Laery and Covac, then slain when Lir broke his word. Enslaved to mortals 'until a Southern woman is wed to a Northern man.' Struck dumb after eating human flesh.

10. High King Conary Mor was subject to a nine-fold geis of things he must not ever do. Which of the nine bonds did Conary violate? None of them; he lived a long life and died of old age. All nine. Never to hunt the evil beasts of Cerna. Never to stray beyond Tara every ninth night.