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About This Quiz
Gaelic names may be hard for English speakers to spell, but they're also gorgeous, unique and meaningful! They speak to the fascinating history of Ireland, Scotland and the British Isles, incorporating elements of the culture of the Gaels as well as that of the Picts, the Britons, the Welsh and others.Â
Because poetry and storytelling were hugely important elements of Gaelic culture, Gaelic names often have their origin in beautiful myths or oral histories. Gaelic names reflect a people who valued an artfully told joke as much as exceptional skill on the battlefield and reveal the Gaels' reverence for lovers and fighters, as well as saints and kings.Â
If you've always wondered what your Gaelic name would be, this quiz can help. You don't have to be Irish, Scottish or British to take it; all you need is a genuine interest in Gaelic culture. After all, at one time, Celtic languages were spoken across Europe and Asia Minor, so it's possible that at least one of your ancestors knew a few Gaelic words. At the very least, we bet you've heard some of these fascinating names before! So set aside your hesitations, stop looking for four-leaf clovers and come play this quiz!
What kind of an upbringing did you have?
Wacky! My parents were hippies.
My parents were pretty conventional, but they were divorced.
I'm from a fairly privileged family.
Raised by a single parent, I acted as a sort of parent to my siblings as well.
You're going on a long-awaited vacation. Once you arrive, you discover your hotel is not the palace from the hotel website's pictures — instead, it's a dirty dump! What do you do?
Stay there anyway. I've seen worse.
Quietly ask for a refund
Throw an epic tantrum until I get a full refund and new accommodations!
Bargain with the hotel clerk to get a massive discount
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If you were a character from "The Jungle Book," which one would you be?
Baloo the Bear
Akela the Wolf
Bagheera the Panther
Kaa the Python
An artist friend asks you to star in a short film he's making. What do you say?
"Maybe. What would I have to do?"
"No thanks, but I can help out as a production assistant."
"Yes, yes, yes!"
"Sorry, but that's not my thing."
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When people are in a jam, do they go to you for advice?
No. They know my advice will be "Chill out."
Yes, if they need help with a technical problem.
No. I find other people's problems too boring.
Yeah, I'm everyone's favorite shoulder to cry on ... and I love it.
Imagine you're working on a group project. Which role do you want to play?
The communications manager
The presenter
The leader
The trusty second-in-command
How do you feel about your gender?
It's fine. I tend to be gender-neutral.
Actually, I've never thought about it?
I'm very feminine and proud of it.
I identify as masculine and am comfortable with that.
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Would you rather minister to the poor or rule them with an iron fist?
I am poor, so I'd probably just be hanging out with them!
Minister to them, I think.
Hmm. Given the choice, I can't say I WOULDN'T try to rule over them with an iron fist.
Could I be the ruler but then institute compassionate social welfare programs?
What does your father do for a living?
He's an artist or academic.
He's a craftsman.
He's a businessman.
He's a lawyer or doctor.
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Your neighbor is stealing your newspaper. What do you do?
Toilet-paper his house!
Ask the paper to deliver it to my work address instead
Loudly confront my neighbor in the middle of the street
Switch to an online-only subscription
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Have you ever been to a poetry reading?
Of course! Actually, I've hosted several poetry readings myself.
No. I don't think I would fit in there.
No, poetry is for nerds.
I've been to one or two readings.
Would you rather go on a long road trip across Ireland or write your own advice column?
Long road trip!
I'd like to hike across Ireland.
I'd rather vacation in one place.
To be honest, I think I'd make a great advice columnist.
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Your little sister has dumped her boyfriend, but he's holding on to some of her stuff and won't give it back. What do you do?
Wait for him to leave, then break into his house and steal my sister's stuff back
Tell him that he needs to give my sister her stuff back OR ELSE
Complain to the police
Get him to agree to give the stuff back by nicely explaining the legal nature of his situation
Imagine that "American Idol" is holding auditions in your hometown. You're a decent singer with piano skills. Do you go?
Sure, sounds fun!
No. What if I'm humiliated on live television?
Yes. They'd be fools not to pick me.
Nah. I'm just not that good (and I'm fine with that).
If you could move to Ireland, where would you want to live?
In a castle by the sea
In a small but picturesque village
In a bustling city like Dublin
Wherever I could get a job
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Do you have the gift of gab?
Sure and begorrah I do!
No. I'm actually pretty tongue-tied.
I'm a very confident speaker. Is that what you mean?
I could sell you the Brooklyn Bridge.
How much do you hate the English?
They didn't act well towards the Irish, but that was a long time ago.
I'll never forget what they did to the Irish.
Um, I AM English.
Hatred is a waste of time. I focus on what I love.
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If you had to be roommates with a mythical Irish creature, which one would you choose?
A leprechaun
A selkie
A fairy queen
A bodach
Be honest: Are you more attractive or more smart?
LOL, I am equal amounts of both!
Hmm, I'm not sure?
Well, I AM really attractive. (Tosses hair.)
I'm prouder of my brains than of my looks.
If you went back in time to live in ancient Ireland, what would your Gaelic job be?
Bard
Warrior
King
Steward
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You're throwing an Irish-themed event. What kind of refreshments will you serve?
Tea and scones
Corned beef and cabbage
Barm brack and whiskey
Red ale, soda bread and fine Irish butter
Truth time: What's your most whimsical secret wish?
I wish I could clone myself and then make out with my copy.
I'd love to live alone in a cabin on a mountain.
I wish people bowed whenever they saw me.
I hope I live long enough to travel in a spaceship for leisure.
Which of these quotes do you relate to the most?
"All the world’s a stage and most of us are desperately unrehearsed."
"Life is a long preparation for something that never happens."
"It’s a good thing to be able to take your money in your hand and to think no more of it when it slips away from you than you would with a trout that would slip back into the stream."
"Progress is impossible without change, and those who cannot change their minds, cannot change anything."
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You Got: