The Myth of Loki and the Master Builder
What was the primary task the master builder was hired to accomplish in Asgard?
a) Build a temple
b) Build a wall
c) Build a palace
d) Build a bridge
b) Build a wall
Who is Anansi, and what role does he play in West African mythology?
a) A powerful god of war
b) A clever trickster spider
c) A wise old owl
d) A fierce lion king
b) A clever trickster spider
Jumbled Word: XFO
Clue: A sly and cunning animal known for its cleverness.
FOX
What is a common characteristic of trickster figures across different cultures?
A) Honesty
B) Deceitfulness
C) Strength
D) Kindness
Deceitfulness
How did Loki initially hinder the master builder's progress on the wall?
a) By stealing his tools
b) By casting a spell
c) By distracting his horse
d) By tricking him into building slowly
c) By distracting his horse
Describe one of Anansi's famous tricks or tales.
a) Anansi tricks the sun into staying in the sky forever
b) Anansi steals all the world's stories from the sky god
c) Anansi fights a dragon to save his village
d) Anansi grows wings to fly to the moon
b) Anansi steals all the world's stories from the sky god
Jumbled Word: "OYCOTE"
Hint: A clever trickster from Native American mythology.
COYOTE
Tricksters often use their wit and cunning to achieve what?
A) Physical dominance
B) Wealth and power
C) Magic and spells
D) Social change or survival
Social change or survival
What was the wager set between the master builder and the gods of Asgard?
a) He would get the sun and moon if he succeeded
b) He would marry Freya if he succeeded
c) He would get gold and riches if he succeeded
d) Both a and b
d) Both a and b
How does Anansi's character differ between his portrayal in African mythology and his portrayal in Caribbean folklore?
a) In Africa, he is seen as a villain; in the Caribbean, he is a hero
b) In Africa, he is a snake; in the Caribbean, he is a spider
c) In Africa, he is solely a trickster; in the Caribbean, he has a more moral role
d) In both, he is portrayed the same way
c) In Africa, he is solely a trickster; in the Caribbean, he has a more moral role
Jumbled Word: NLUKO
Clue: A mischievous and clever figure from Native American mythology.
LOKUN
Which of these is NOT typically a role played by trickster figures?
A) Hero
B) Fool
C) Sage
D) Villain
Sage
In what form did Loki ultimately aid the master builder, and what was the outcome of this intervention?
a) As a bird; the master builder fell
b) As a horse; the master builder lost his horse
c) As a giant; the master builder got scared
d) As a woman; the master builder was distracted
b) As a horse; the master builder lost his horse
Discuss the moral or lesson typically found in Anansi stories. Provide an example from a specific myth.
a) Hard work pays off; in "Anansi and the Sky God," Anansi learns this by working tirelessly
b) Bravery is rewarded; in "Anansi and the Lion," Anansi's bravery is honored
c) Cleverness can outsmart power; in "Anansi and the Sky God," Anansi uses wit to gain the world's stories
d) Honesty is the best policy; in "Anansi and the Magic Pot," Anansi's honesty brings him fortune
c) Cleverness can outsmart power; in "Anansi and the Sky God," Anansi uses wit to gain the world's stories
Jumbled Word: KPUC
Clue: A mischievous fairy from Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night's Dream.
Puck
In many stories, tricksters are often seen as agents of what?
A) Order and discipline
B) Chaos and disruption
C) Peace and harmony
D) Knowledge and wisdom
Chaos and disruption
How does the story of Loki and the master builder reflect the themes of cunning and deception in Norse mythology?
a) It shows how Loki's intelligence often leads to unexpected results
b) It demonstrates the consequences of greed
c) It illustrates the gods' reliance on trickery to solve problems
d) All of the above
d) All of the above
How has Anansi's myth influenced modern literature and popular culture?
a) Through children's books featuring trickster tales
b) By inspiring characters in comic books and movies
c) Through storytelling traditions in various cultures
d) All of the above
d) All of the above
Jumbled Word: NAISNA
Clue: A cunning trickster in African folklore, often depicted as a spider.
Answer: ANANSI
Trickster figures often break what kind of societal norms or rules?
A) Religious
B) Political
C) Ethical or moral
D) All of the above
All of the above