Medieval Welsh Thought: Explore the Intellectual Landscape of Wales

Question 1

How did the Welsh church contribute to the development and preservation of religious and philosophical thought in medieval Wales?

Accepted Answer

Establishing monasteries and schools

Accepted Answer

Translating religious texts into Welsh

Accepted Answer

Hosting debates and discussions on religious and philosophical topics

Accepted Answer

Supporting traveling scholars

Question 2

Which of the following is a central concept in medieval Welsh philosophy, exploring the nature of existence and the relationship between mind and matter?

Accepted Answer

Ontology

Answer

Epistemology

Answer

Axiology

Answer

Ethics

Question 3

Which of the following was a prominent theme in medieval Welsh religious thought, emphasizing the direct and personal experience of the divine?

Accepted Answer

Mysticism

Answer

Asceticism

Answer

Pelagianism

Answer

Arianism

Question 4

The 'Canu Llywarch Hen' holds significance in medieval Welsh literature primarily due to which reason?

Accepted Answer

Providing insights into pre-Christian Welsh spiritual beliefs

Answer

Popularizing alliterative verse in Welsh poetry

Answer

Establishing the significance of nature within Welsh mythology

Answer

Introducing the concept of courtly love into Welsh literature

Question 5

What was the primary function of Welsh triads during the medieval period?

Accepted Answer

Conveying wisdom and knowledge

Answer

Serving as historical records

Answer

Acting as tools for political propaganda

Answer

Providing methods for divination

Question 6

The purpose of the 'englyn milwr' poetic form is to:

Accepted Answer

Eulogize warriors and their valor

Answer

Lament the loss of the departed

Answer

Satirize societal norms

Answer

Celebrate religious festivals

Question 7

A central concept in Welsh philosophical tradition emphasizes:

Accepted Answer

The interconnectedness of humanity and nature

Answer

The primacy of reason

Answer

The influence of emotions in decision-making

Answer

The pursuit of material wealth

Question 8

How did medieval Welsh scholars interact with classical philosophical works?

Accepted Answer

Adapting and reinterpreting their ideas

Answer

Directly translating them into Welsh

Answer

Rejecting them as incompatible with Christian beliefs

Answer

Ignoring them entirely

Question 9

Identify the manuscript that serves as a valuable resource for understanding medieval Welsh religious thought:

Accepted Answer

The Black Book of Carmarthen

Answer

The Book of Llandaff

Answer

The Mabinogion

Answer

The Welsh Laws

Question 10

Which language primarily carried the written expression of medieval Welsh thought?

Accepted Answer

Welsh

Answer

Latin

Answer

English

Answer

Norman French

Question 11

Which feature is NOT characteristic of medieval Welsh poetry?

Accepted Answer

Emphasis on iambic pentameter

Answer

Extensive use of alliteration and cynghanedd

Answer

Emphasis on storytelling and narrative

Answer

Frequent use of kennings and metaphors

Question 12

Identify a key feature of medieval Welsh thought.

Accepted Answer

It emphasized the significance of religious belief.

Answer

It focused predominantly on secular concerns.

Answer

It relied heavily on scientific evidence.

Answer

It dismissed philosophical inquiry.

Question 13

In medieval Welsh literature, what does the term 'cyfarwyddyd' refer to?

Accepted Answer

A repository of traditional wisdom and knowledge.

Answer

A form of mystical religious experience.

Answer

A genre of epic poetry

Answer

A system of social organization.

Question 14

What was the primary thematic focus of the medieval Welsh tale collection 'Mabinogion'?

Accepted Answer

Welsh mythology and folklore.

Answer

Christian theological doctrines.

Answer

Arthurian legends.

Answer

Political events.

Question 15

Which influence played a pivotal role in shaping the development of medieval Welsh thought?

Accepted Answer

Celtic Christianity.

Answer

Norse mythology.

Answer

Greek philosophy.

Answer

Roman law.

Question 16

Explain the significance of the 'Triads' in medieval Welsh literature.

Accepted Answer

They offer insights into Welsh mythology, customs, and beliefs.

Answer

They provide historical accounts of Welsh battles.

Answer

They represent religious prophecies.

Question 17

Describe the role of 'bardic' poets in medieval Welsh society.

Accepted Answer

They preserved and transmitted Welsh history and culture through their works.

Answer

They led religious ceremonies.

Answer

They provided political commentary.

Answer

They served as military leaders.

Question 18

Identify a characteristic feature of medieval Welsh poetry.

Accepted Answer

The extensive use of alliteration and internal rhyme

Answer

The absence of any metrical structure.

Answer

A focus on free verse.

Question 19

On what central theme does the medieval Welsh poem 'Gododdin' focus?

Accepted Answer

The Battle of Catraeth

Answer

The Welsh creation myth.

Answer

The invasion by the Anglo-Saxons.

Answer

The life of Saint David.

Question 20

Which central theme is found in the philosophical writings of Dafydd ap Gwilym?

Accepted Answer

The beauty and joy of the natural world

Answer

The importance of societal hierarchy

Answer

The inevitability of human mortality

Answer

The primacy of reason in human affairs

Question 21

What significance did the 'Triads' hold in medieval Welsh thought?

Accepted Answer

They conveyed moral, philosophical, and legal principles

Answer

They served primarily as historical narratives

Answer

They were exclusively religious in nature

Question 22

Which characteristic feature is commonly found in medieval Welsh bardic poetry?

Accepted Answer

The use of cynghanedd (consonance and alliteration)

Answer

Extensive use of metaphors and imagery

Answer

Predominance of free verse

Question 23

What was the primary purpose of medieval Welsh monasteries?

Accepted Answer

Centers of religious and intellectual activity

Answer

Royal courts

Answer

Economic hubs

Answer

Military strongholds

Question 24

What was a key concept in medieval Welsh religious thought?

Accepted Answer

The importance of repentance and forgiveness

Answer

The doctrine of predestination

Answer

The rejection of the Trinity

Answer

The infallibility of the pope

Question 25

What was a distinctive characteristic of medieval Welsh historiography?

Accepted Answer

The inclusion of mythical and legendary elements alongside historical events

Answer

Exclusive focus on political and military history

Answer

Strict adherence to chronological order

Question 26

Which of the following is an example of a Latin translation that significantly influenced medieval Welsh thought?

Accepted Answer

The Historia Brittonum

Answer

Utopia

Answer

The Divine Comedy

Answer

The Canterbury Tales