Friday

 Today we will take some notes on Qualities of a Medieval King and Warrior Culture.  Then we will read "The Death of Conchobar" and begin to look at the overview section in your textbook. 

HW: Look up vocabulary words.

Pre-reading

Break into groups of three and brainstorm the following:

1) What are the qualities of a warrior/hero (think of the Odyssey, the Iliad)?

2) What are the qualities of a good king?

3) What does a society with a king and warriors look like or act like? 

4) What do you expect from a story about heroes and kings?

5) What does Oral Tradition mean to you and how do you expect it to affect the story?

As we read

1)    Keep track of all the characters that appear.  Who is the protagonist?  The antagonist(s)-- (think type of conflict).

2)    What is the main theme of the story (what is the author trying to say about life).

3)    List at least two symbols in the story.  Why are these important?

4)    Try to outline the plot.

THE DEATH OF CONCHOBAR

 go here

QUESTIONS for “The Death of Conchobhar”

1)    Explain the ending.  How does this story fit the theme of Paganism vs. Christianity? 

2)    Makes inferences (educated guesses based on the information in the text): What is Conchobhar like?  Describe his personality. 

3)    Is Conchobhar a good king?  What information informs your opinion?

4)    What was life like back in this period accounting to the information in the story?

5)    Who was Meis-Geghra?

6)    How does Cet trick Conchobar?

7)    Retell this story in contemporary English.  This retelling should be at least a page and you are expected to act it out.

 Qualities of a King

Acts as peace keeper
Acts as Ambassador
Be a good host
Compassionate
Good Speaker
Loyal to his country
Sacrifices for his country
Ring giver or sharer of treasure
Rewards his warriors or knights
Law Giver and Judge
Fair in decisions
Good listening
Puts country before self
Noble, decisive, respectful
Punishes those who must be punished
Pays blood money or wergild when necessary
Handles pressure, doesn’t lose his temper easily
Keeps his word
Intelligent and wise
Stands for the beliefs of his country
Stands as a symbol of his country


Qualities of Warrior Tradition

Reputation most important thing for both Warrior and King
Honor – if honor is broken revenge is necessary
Loyality connection between King and his warriors
Warriors follow commands of King and protect him, King rewards them with food, shelter, treasure
Oath of Faithfulness exchanged between King and followers
Life after death based on deeds done in one’s life so that the poets will sing
Wergild vs Blood Revenge (blood money as a form of justice)
Banishment as a form of punishment
Murder of one’s family as the greatest sin
Importance of Hospitality
Wyrd – The Role of Fate (Destiny – Norns)

“Since a man may not avert his destiny, he should suffer it well.”

Qualities of Warrior

Superior physical and mental strength
Superior Morals – stands as symbol for his people
Superior Intelligence, Cunning, Mental toughness
Seeks or has done great deeds to build reputation
Honorable
Follows the command of his King, loyal to king and country
Brave, Courageous
Willing to risk life for others
Follows the idea of Wyrd
Self-Honor – important concept
Self-sacrifice, selfless
Leadership
Noble, chivalric (? – depends on tradition), just
Keeps the peace
Team player (?)

Vocabulary #1

Obsolete

Reprisal
Philistine

Meticulous

Officious

Peruse

Mitigate

Perfidy

Morose