folklore beginner 10 sample questions

Trickster Tales MCQ Practice Test

Stories featuring clever and mischievous characters

Q1. In the Ojibwe trickster tale, 'Mé's Calendar', what is the reason for the trickster's desire to steal the calendar from the Moon?

Explanation: In the story, Mé wishes to steal the calendar so that he can manipulate time to his advantage, highlighting his desire for control and power.

Q2. In the Inuit trickster tale "Kiviuq," which spirit does Kiviuq encounter that is often associated with guidance or assistance on his journey?

Explanation: In the Inuit trickster tale "Kiviuq," Kiviuq encounters Nanuk, the polar bear spirit. While not explicitly sent as a guide, Nanuk's presence and interactions are significant in Kiviuq's journey and transformation. The other options are not directly related to Kiviuq's story.

Q3. In the Ojibwe trickster tale “The Rabbit and the Muskrat,” what is the Muskrat’s punishment for stealing the Rabbit’s wife?

Explanation: In this Ojibwe trickster tale, the Muskrat is punished for stealing the Rabbit’s wife by being turned into a frog and forced to live in the water. This punishment is a common theme in trickster tales, where the trickster is often punished for their misdeeds.

Q4. Who is the trickster culture hero in Ojibwe storytelling?

Explanation: Nanabozho (the Great Hare/Rabbit) is the Ojibwe trickster and culture hero; Gitche Manitou is the great spirit, Mishibijiw an underwater panther, and the Wendigo a fearsome spirit of starvation.

Q5. In the Native American trickster tale of “The Raven Mocker,” which tribe is associated with the story?

Explanation: The Raven Mocker is a supernatural being from Cherokee mythology that is often depicted as a trickster figure. It is said to have the power to cause illness and death, and is often associated with the story of the raven that brings disease to the people.

Q6. In the Ainu folklore of Japan, which trickster figure is known for stealing the sun and hiding it in a cave?

Explanation: In Ainu mythology, Shiroi Oosho is a trickster figure who is known for stealing the sun and hiding it in a cave, causing a temporary eclipse. This myth is unique to Ainu folklore and highlights the complexities of this lesser-known mythological tradition.

Q7. In the Ojibwe trickster tale “The Birth of the Trickster,” which character is born with an elan (a spirit or animal guide) that is associated with shapeshifting?

Explanation: In the Ojibwe trickster tale, Ictinike is born with an elan, a spirit or animal guide, that allows him to shapeshift. This ability is a key characteristic of Ictinike, the shapeshifter.

Q8. Nanabozho, the Great Hare trickster, appears in the traditional stories of which people?

Explanation: Nanabozho is the culture hero and trickster of Ojibwe (Anishinaabe) traditions. The original invented a tale ("The Seagull") with fabricated plot mechanics.

Q9. In a variant of the Anansi the Spider trickster tale from the Akan people of Ghana, what is the name of Anansi's wife who is known for her cleverness and is often depicted as a rival to Anansi?

Explanation: In some versions of the Anansi tale, Ntikima is portrayed as a clever and resourceful figure who often outwits Anansi, highlighting the complexities of the trickster character and the importance of female agency in the story.

Q10. In Ojibwe and other Anishinaabe storytelling traditions, who is the great culture hero and trickster figure?

Explanation: Nanabozho (also Nanabush) is the trickster-culture hero of Anishinaabe (Ojibwe) tradition. Glooscap belongs to Wabanaki traditions; Raven and Coyote are tricksters of Pacific Northwest and Plains/Southwestern traditions respectively.

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Trickster Tales MCQ Practice Test | Mind Hustle