Final Exam

The final exam is due on Thursday, 12/13 by noon. There will be a box outside my office door if I am not here. I will have the secretaries place the box in my office at noon, so any papers turned in after that time will be officially late. There is no penalty for turning in the paper early and if you have any questions, please contact me by email or here on the blog.

You must answer both questions. No late exams will be accepted. Exams should be typed (single-spaced is fine) and the answer length should take into account that this is a take home exam. Please read each question carefully before you answer. You may use your notes and the assigned readings (which you should consult to flesh out any weak answers) to assist you with preparing for your own answers, but do not copy or plagiarize any material. If you do so, it will result in the automatic failure of the test. Good Luck!

1) Chivalry, Knightly Tradition and Christianity
Using the mythological tales of Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table, provide examples of heroes in these tales that fit into the medieval Judeo-Christian ideals of knightly behavior. What are the duties and ideals of good Christian knights; i.e. define chivalry? Do the heroes of these tales good role models of these Christian knights? Why or why not? What pagan elements are still left in these tales, if any? Explain and support your answer with examples from the various Arthurian myths.

2) A Strangely Norse Conundrum
In the Norse myths, there is a difficult and often tenuous connection between giants and the Norse gods. Though largely portrayed as an antagonistic relationship, especially with the final battle at Ragnarok, there are several examples within the myths that seem to counter the general belief that the gods and giants hate each other. Using the mythological tales from the readings as well as those explored in class, explain more fully the complex relationship between the gods and giants. Why is there such a conflict in the first place? Explain and support your answer with several examples from the Norse myths.