MIDTERM STUDY GUIDE
VOCABULARY:
- religion
- myth
- ritual
- sacred
- theology
- icon
- Paleolithic
- Mesolithic
- Neolithic
- Megalithic
- esker
- post and lintel construction
- wedge tomb (dolmen)
- passage tomb
- cremation
- inhumation
- Sliabh na Caillighe
- Si (sidhe)
- Tain Bo Cuailnge
- Bru na Boinne
- polytheism
- anthropomorphism
- drui (druid)
- zoomorphism
- syncratism
- Hallstatt
- La Tene
- ogham script
NAMES TO KNOW:
- Ladhra (Ladhrians)
- Partholon (Partholonians)
- Fomorian (Fomorians)
- Nemed (Nemidians)
- Fir Bholg
- Tuatha de Danann
- Mil (Milesians)
- Dagda
- Scathach
- Lug
- Badb
- Morrigna
- Nemain
- Macha
- Bridget
- Conchober
- Cuchulainn
- Medb
- Ailill
- Ulster
- Lenster
- Munster
- Connacht
STUDY QUESTIONS:
- Explain the difference between myth and theology.
- Explain the difference between the first two groups of humans to inhabit Ireland (according to
archaeologists).
- Eskers are a prominent feature of Irish geography. What was their role in early Irish history?
- According to the Lebor Gabala, who were the six races who came to Ireland
- What are the five main cycles of Irish mythology recorded in the Medieval period?
- What happens to the children of Lir, and why is it important to Irish identity?
- What happened to the Tuatha de Danann after the coming of the Milesians?
- In Celtic mythology, what do hills and caves represent?
- What does archaeology tell us about the Celtic concept of the afterlife?
- What are the "pangs of Ulster" and what is their significance?
- What is the significance of Cuchulainn's "triple birth"?
- How did Cuchulainn get his name? What does it mean?
- Why did the forces of Connacht (Madb's forces) invade Ulster?
- Explain the significance of taking heads in Celtic mythology
- What are the four seasonal festivals of Celtic culture?
- What is the triple death and what is its significance?
- What is the primary role water plays in Celtic religion?
BACK TO THE RESOURCES PAGE