English12(British stuff): Concgobhar vs. Branwen

1. Concgobhar vs. Matholwch - They are both terrible kings and have too much pride. Concgobhar is terrible at everything but is handsome. Matholwch tries but listens too much to the petty greivances of his people

Cet vs. Bendigfran - Are great warriors and kings, they listen but actually rule their people. They have something magical about them and have proven themselves fit to rule.

2. Compare the conflicts in the two stories in 2-3 sentences. In Conchobhar, it is basically about Cet getting revenge on Conchobhar by using the brain ball that came from the great warrior that came from Cet’s nation and was killed by Conchobhar. It is suppose to have magical properties that will help Cet kill Conchobhar. The Irish King wanted to make peace by marrying the sister of the king of England. The conflict begins when Efnisien maims the Irish King’s horses, and finally escalates into war between the Irish and English when the Irish treat Branwen disrespectfully.

3. The Role of Kings- A good king is suppose to listen to his people but still be able to know what is best. Usually, kings have supernatural qualities and also proven themselves on the battlefield both as a commander and a warrior.

The Role of Women- The women's role was to distract Conchobar in order to make it easier for him to be killed by Cet. In the other story, the women are used as peace agreements. All they are good for is heirs. Once they produced a son then they could be easily replaced or removed.

The concept of magic- The magic in Conchobhar is the brain ball, which is, suppose too avenge the death of himself. Magic runs through out “Branwen Daughter of Llyr.” For starters, the English King was a semi-giant and had magical powers, and Branwen made and trained a bird to go for help. There is a magic caldron and a family of giants in England.

Paganism vs. Christianity- “The Death of Conchobhar” was Pagan except for the very end, which was modified to include Christianity when Conchobhar became enraged due to the death of Jesus. In “Branwen Daughter of Llyr,” there is no reference to Christianity, but magic is a component in the story and Paganism. The caldron was magical represented rebirth because it resurrected those who had been killed.

Man alone in a hostile world- Except for the battle, Cet was all alone when he stole the brain ball and came up with the plan to kill Conchobhar with the help of the women during his tour in Ulster. Branwen became a prisoner in her new country after she had a son. The Irish people felt the king had been wronged and forced her from her position, and she had no one to help her.

4. Compare the endings of the two stories: how are they alike.

In the end, the two major characters transcend their deaths' because their story is told time and time again. Their bodies are gone, but their legacies live on.

5. List your favorite moment from each story.

Conchobhar- When Conchobhar is hit by Cet's brain ball.

Branwen- When Bendigfran goes and almost single handedly takes the Irish out.

6. Find a photo for each of the characters in Branwen - post these to your blog.