Hunter Quatermain’s Story Trivia Quiz Questions and Answers

What weapon did Hans and Mashune use in the story?

  • A shotgun
  • A rifle
  • A bow and arrow
  • A spear

Correct Answer: A rifle

Correct Answer Explanation: Hans and Mashune used a Martini Henry rifle, a popular hunting rifle at the time, to hunt and defend themselves against dangerous animals.

What type of animal destroyed Quatermain’s camp?

  • A lion
  • A buffalo
  • A fire
  • An elephant

Correct Answer: A fire

Correct Answer Explanation: The fire that destroyed Quatermain’s camp is a reminder of the importance of proper fire management in the African wilderness.

What animal did Mashune kill with his assegai?

  • A lion
  • A buffalo
  • A porcupine
  • An eland

Correct Answer: A buffalo

Correct Answer Explanation: The buffalo, after killing Hans, attacked Mashune. Despite being wounded, Mashune bravely fought back, eventually killing the buffalo with his assegai.

How many cartridges did Quatermain have left for his eight-bore rifle during the buffalo attack?

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4

Correct Answer: 2

Correct Answer Explanation: Quatermain had only two cartridges left for his eight-bore rifle when the buffalo charged, underscoring the danger of the situation and his limited resources.

What type of tree did Hans get impaled on?

  • A baobab
  • A mimosa thorn
  • A palm tree
  • An acacia

Correct Answer: A mimosa thorn

Correct Answer Explanation: The mimosa thorn, a common tree in the African landscape, played a tragic role in the story when Hans was impaled on it during the buffalo attack.

What is the meaning of Quatermain’s Zulu name, Macumazahn?

  • “The man who fights lions”
  • “The man who ‘gets up by night,’ or who ‘is always awake.’ ”
  • “The man who is skilled in tracking”
  • “The man who is a master hunter”

Correct Answer: “The man who ‘gets up by night,’ or who ‘is always awake.’ ”

Correct Answer Explanation: Quatermain’s Zulu name, Macumazahn, reflects his reputation as a vigilant and resourceful hunter, always alert to the dangers of the African wilderness.

How far was Quatermain’s camp from Bamangwato?

  • 100 miles
  • 200 miles
  • 300 miles
  • 400 miles

Correct Answer: 300 miles

Correct Answer Explanation: Quatermain’s camp was a considerable distance from Bamangwato, the nearest settlement, emphasizing the isolation and remoteness of his journey.

What was the name of Quatermain’s Zulu companion?

  • Umslopogaas
  • Mashune
  • Gagool
  • Sir Henry Curtis

Correct Answer: Mashune

Correct Answer Explanation: Mashune is Quatermain’s loyal and brave Zulu companion, who stands by his side throughout the story and provides support in the face of adversity.

Where was Quatermain’s camp located?

  • In a dense forest
  • Near a large river
  • In a hollow fringed by mimosa trees
  • Near a rocky cliff

Correct Answer: In a hollow fringed by mimosa trees

Correct Answer Explanation: The hollow fringed by mimosa trees provided some shelter for Quatermain’s camp but also proved to be the site of the tragic buffalo attack.

What type of creature did Quatermain and Mashune use for shelter during the buffalo attack?

  • A cave
  • A termite mound
  • An ant-bear hole
  • A rock overhang

Correct Answer: An ant-bear hole

Correct Answer Explanation: An ant-bear hole, a natural burrow, provided a temporary refuge for Quatermain and Mashune as they hid from the enraged buffalo.

How long had Mashune accompanied Quatermain on hunting trips?

  • 1 year
  • 3 years
  • 5 years
  • 10 years

Correct Answer: 5 years

Correct Answer Explanation: Mashune had been a loyal companion to Quatermain for five years, highlighting their strong bond and their shared experiences in the African wilderness.

What did Mashune place beside his body in the ant-bear hole?

  • His spear
  • A piece of meat
  • A charm
  • A photograph

Correct Answer: His spear

Correct Answer Explanation: This Zulu custom reflects a belief that warriors should be buried with their weapons to help them face the afterlife.

What is the name for the open grassland of South Africa?

  • Savannah
  • Veldt
  • Bush
  • Desert

Correct Answer: Veldt

Correct Answer Explanation: The veldt is the vast, open grassland that characterizes much of South Africa, providing a backdrop for Quatermain’s adventures.

What is a “skarm”?

  • A type of hunting trap
  • A traditional Zulu hut
  • A protective barrier or shelter
  • A type of weapon

Correct Answer: A protective barrier or shelter

Correct Answer Explanation: A skerm, constructed of branches and brushwood, provided a temporary shelter for Quatermain and Mashune, but it proved inadequate against the fierce buffalo attack.

What is the name for a small hill or outcrop of rock?

  • Koppie
  • Mesa
  • Butte
  • Plateau

Correct Answer: Koppie

Correct Answer Explanation: Koppies are common features of the African landscape, often providing vantage points for observing wildlife or navigating the terrain.

What animal did Quatermain mention could be found near water sources?

  • Elephants
  • Giraffes
  • Elands
  • Zebras

Correct Answer: Elands

Correct Answer Explanation: Elands, large antelopes, are attracted to water sources, just like other wildlife, emphasizing the vital role of water in the African wilderness.

What is a “voorlooper”?

  • A type of wagon
  • A leader or guide
  • A traditional Zulu ceremony
  • A type of hunting weapon

Correct Answer: A leader or guide

Correct Answer Explanation: A voorlooper is a guide or leader, particularly in the context of wagon journeys, an important figure in navigating the treacherous landscapes of Africa.

What is a “disselboom”?

  • A type of bird
  • A traditional Zulu dance
  • The front axle and yoke of a wagon
  • A type of tree

Correct Answer: The front axle and yoke of a wagon

Correct Answer Explanation: The disselboom, the front axle and yoke of a wagon, is a vital part of transport in the African wilderness, allowing travelers to navigate difficult terrain.

What type of fly did Quatermain mention that is fatal to most animals?

  • The tsetse fly
  • The horsefly
  • The mosquito
  • The blackfly

Correct Answer: The tsetse fly

Correct Answer Explanation: The tsetse fly, known for its deadly bite, poses a serious threat to animals in the African wilderness, emphasizing the dangers of the ecosystem.

What was the size of the diamond shown to the ladies at the dinner party?

  • 20 carats
  • 30 carats
  • 40 carats
  • 50 carats

Correct Answer: 50 carats

Correct Answer Explanation: The 50-carat diamond, a remarkable treasure discovered in King Solomon’s Mines, highlights the potential wealth and allure of the African wilderness.

How many miles was it from Bamangwato to the site of the buffalo attack?

  • 20 miles
  • 30 miles
  • 40 miles
  • 50 miles

Correct Answer: 40 miles

Correct Answer Explanation: The distance between Bamangwato and the site of the buffalo attack emphasizes the vastness of the African wilderness and the challenges of traveling through it.

What is the term that Zulus used for the Boers?

  • Maboona
  • Umfagozan
  • Macumazahn
  • Isanusi

Correct Answer: Maboona

Correct Answer Explanation: “Maboona” was the term used by Zulus for the Boers, the Dutch settlers in South Africa, reflecting the complex historical and cultural interactions between these groups.

What type of weapon is a “bangwan”?

  • A shield
  • A bow and arrow
  • A broad stabbing assegai
  • A club

Correct Answer: A broad stabbing assegai

Correct Answer Explanation: A bangwan, a type of assegai, is a traditional African spear, used both for hunting and combat, reflecting the cultural heritage and skills of the Zulu people.

How many years had passed since Quatermain lost his party to an elephant attack?

  • 6 months
  • 12 months
  • 18 months
  • 24 months

Correct Answer: 18 months

Correct Answer Explanation: The elephant attack, a past tragedy for Quatermain, highlights the ever-present dangers of the African wilderness and the loss that can accompany exploration.

What type of bird did Quatermain mention in the story?

  • An eagle
  • A vulture
  • A hawk
  • An ostrich

Correct Answer: An ostrich

Correct Answer Explanation: Ostriches, the largest birds in the world, are found in the African savanna, reflecting the diverse and unique wildlife of the region.

What is the name for a witch-finder or diviner in Zulu culture?

  • Isanusi
  • Maboona
  • Umfagozan
  • Macumazahn

Correct Answer: Isanusi

Correct Answer Explanation: Isanusi, respected figures in Zulu culture, possess knowledge of traditional healing and spiritual practices, playing a role in understanding the world and its mysteries.

How many cartridges did Quatermain and Mashune have left in total before the buffalo attack?

  • 2
  • 3
  • 5
  • 8

Correct Answer: 5

Correct Answer Explanation: The limited number of cartridges available to Quatermain and Mashune highlights the importance of conservation and the dangers of encountering powerful animals in the wilderness.

What type of creature did Mashune sing about in the story?

  • A lion
  • A buffalo
  • A crocodile
  • An elephant

Correct Answer: A lion

Correct Answer Explanation: Mashune’s song about Quatermain pulling out the lion’s heart showcases the use of hyperbole and storytelling traditions in Zulu culture, where legends and tales are often passed down through generations.

What is a “disselboom”?

  • A type of bird
  • A traditional Zulu dance
  • The front axle and yoke of a wagon
  • A type of tree

Correct Answer: The front axle and yoke of a wagon

Correct Answer Explanation: The disselboom, the front axle and yoke of a wagon, is a vital part of transport in the African wilderness, allowing travelers to navigate difficult terrain.

What is the name for a type of traditional African spear?

  • Assegai
  • Bangwan
  • Sjambok
  • Kerrie

Correct Answer: Assegai

Correct Answer Explanation: The assegai, a traditional African spear, is an important tool for hunting and defense, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the Zulu people.

How many years prior to the story did the events take place?

  • 5
  • 7
  • 10
  • 15

Correct Answer: 10

Correct Answer Explanation: The story is set ten years prior to the present time, highlighting the impact of past experiences on Quatermain’s character and his perspective on the African wilderness.

What was the name of the Hottentot that Quatermain and Mashune were searching for?

  • Hans
  • Umslopogaas
  • Gagool
  • Sir Henry Curtis

Correct Answer: Hans

Correct Answer Explanation: Hans, a Hottentot companion, played a tragic role in the story, emphasizing the dangers of the African wilderness and the loss that can accompany exploration.

How high was Hans impaled on the mimosa thorn?

  • 6 feet
  • 7 feet
  • 8 feet
  • 9 feet

Correct Answer: 8 feet

Correct Answer Explanation: The graphic description of Hans being impaled on the mimosa thorn at a height of 8 feet emphasizes the brutality of the buffalo attack and the unforgiving nature of the African wilderness.

What did Quatermain use to read his pencil notes in the pocketbook under the moonlight?

  • A lantern
  • A flashlight
  • The moon’s reflection
  • A magnifying glass

Correct Answer: The moon’s reflection

Correct Answer Explanation: The clear African night sky, illuminated by the moon, allowed Quatermain to read his pencil notes, showcasing the beauty and clarity of the night sky in the African wilderness.

What did Quatermain and Mashune eat to sustain themselves?

  • Watercresses
  • Berries
  • Roots
  • All of the above

Correct Answer: All of the above

Correct Answer Explanation: The story highlights the resourcefulness of Quatermain and Mashune, who utilized available resources like watercresses, berries, and roots for sustenance, demonstrating their adaptability in the African wilderness.

How did Quatermain and Mashune defend themselves against the lions?

  • They used spears
  • They used a rifle
  • They climbed a tree
  • They used a fire

Correct Answer: They used a rifle

Correct Answer Explanation: The lions, nocturnal predators, posed a constant threat to Quatermain and Mashune, necessitating their use of a rifle for protection, highlighting the dangers of the African ecosystem.

What was the distance between the mimosa thorn and the bush where the buffalo charged from?

  • 10 paces
  • 15 paces
  • 20 paces
  • 25 paces

Correct Answer: 15 paces

Correct Answer Explanation: The short distance between the mimosa thorn and the bush from where the buffalo charged emphasizes the suddenness and ferocity of the attack, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the wilderness.

What is the term for the traditional African spear that Mashune used to kill the buffalo?

  • Assegai
  • Bangwan
  • Sjambok
  • Kerrie

Correct Answer: Assegai

Correct Answer Explanation: The assegai, a traditional African spear, is an important tool for hunting and defense, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the Zulu people.

How far did the lion jump when it sprang at Quatermain and Mashune?

  • 3 feet
  • 4 feet
  • 5 feet
  • 6 feet

Correct Answer: 4 feet

Correct Answer Explanation: The lion, an apex predator, jumped 4 feet in an attempt to attack Quatermain and Mashune, highlighting the power and agility of this formidable animal.

What was the term used by Zulus for a Hottentot?

  • Maboona
  • Umfagozan
  • Macumazahn
  • Isanusi

Correct Answer: Umfagozan

Correct Answer Explanation: “Umfagozan,” a derogatory term, reflects Zulu social hierarchy and prejudice towards the Hottentot people, showcasing the complexities of cultural interactions in Africa.

What is the term for the protective barrier that Quatermain and Mashune built around their camp?

  • Skerm
  • Koppie
  • Veldt
  • Disselboom

Correct Answer: Skerm

Correct Answer Explanation: A skerm, constructed of branches and brushwood, provided a temporary shelter for Quatermain and Mashune, but it proved inadequate against the fierce buffalo attack.

What was the distance between the mimosa thorn and the bush where the buffalo charged from?

  • 10 paces
  • 15 paces
  • 20 paces
  • 25 paces

Correct Answer: 15 paces

Correct Answer Explanation: The short distance between the mimosa thorn and the bush from where the buffalo charged emphasizes the suddenness and ferocity of the attack, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the wilderness.

What did Mashune say he was afraid of?

  • The buffalo
  • The lions
  • The fire
  • Ghosts

Correct Answer: Ghosts

Correct Answer Explanation: Mashune’s fear of ghosts reflects a belief in the supernatural that is common in Zulu culture, highlighting the intersection of traditional beliefs and the realities of survival in the African wilderness.

How long did it take Quatermain to reach the nearest settlement after the buffalo attack?

  • One day
  • Two days
  • Three days
  • Four days

Correct Answer: Two days

Correct Answer Explanation: The time it took Quatermain to reach the nearest settlement after the buffalo attack, emphasizing the challenges of navigating the vast and treacherous African landscape.

What did Quatermain and Mashune use to help them find their way?

  • A map
  • A compass
  • The stars
  • All of the above

Correct Answer: All of the above

Correct Answer Explanation: Quatermain and Mashune utilized a combination of maps, compasses, and celestial navigation to help them find their way through the African wilderness, showcasing their skills in navigating the challenging terrain.

What did Mashune say that Quatermain had done to the lion?

  • Pulled out its heart
  • Taken its claws
  • Consumed its liver
  • Used its skin for a cloak

Correct Answer: Pulled out its heart

Correct Answer Explanation: Mashune’s song about Quatermain pulling out the lion’s heart showcases the use of hyperbole and storytelling traditions in Zulu culture, where legends and tales are often passed down through generations.

What did Quatermain and Mashune consume to help them survive?

  • Watercresses
  • Berries
  • Roots
  • All of the above

Correct Answer: All of the above

Correct Answer Explanation: The story highlights the resourcefulness of Quatermain and Mashune, who utilized available resources like watercresses, berries, and roots for sustenance, demonstrating their adaptability in the African wilderness.

What type of creature did Quatermain say he had a bad experience with previously?

  • A lion
  • A buffalo
  • An elephant
  • A leopard

Correct Answer: An elephant

Correct Answer Explanation: The mention of a previous encounter with elephants serves as a reminder of the constant dangers that lurk within the African wilderness and the importance of caution and preparedness.

What type of rifle did Quatermain use to defend himself?

  • A Martini Henry
  • A Winchester
  • A Mauser
  • A Springfield

Correct Answer: A Martini Henry

Correct Answer Explanation: The Martini Henry rifle, a popular hunting rifle at the time, was a reliable weapon for protection against dangerous animals, reflecting the technological advancements used in exploration and survival during this era.

What was the name of the settlement that Quatermain and Mashune eventually reached?

  • Bamangwato
  • Pretoria
  • Johannesburg
  • Cape Town

Correct Answer: Bamangwato

Correct Answer Explanation: Bamangwato, a settlement in the Bechuanaland Protectorate, represents a point of relative safety and civilization in the story, highlighting the contrast between the wilderness and human settlements in the African landscape.

What is the name of the large African antelope that Quatermain and Mashune encountered?

  • Eland
  • Kudu
  • Nyala
  • Wildebeest

Correct Answer: Eland

Correct Answer Explanation: The eland, the largest antelope in the world, is a common sight in the African savanna, showcasing the diverse wildlife that inhabits this vast landscape.

How deep did Mashune plunge his assegai into the buffalo’s body?

  • 6 inches
  • 1 foot
  • 2 feet
  • 3 feet

Correct Answer: 1 foot

Correct Answer Explanation: The depth of the assegai wound, highlighting the power of the assegai and the bravery of Mashune in confronting the ferocious buffalo.

What is the term for the open grassland that characterizes much of South Africa?

  • Savannah
  • Veldt
  • Bush
  • Desert

Correct Answer: Veldt

Correct Answer Explanation: The veldt is the vast, open grassland that characterizes much of South Africa, providing a backdrop for Quatermain’s adventures.

What is the name for the front axle and yoke of a wagon?

  • Disselboom
  • Koppie
  • Skerm
  • Veldt

Correct Answer: Disselboom

Correct Answer Explanation: The disselboom, the front axle and yoke of a wagon, is a vital part of transport in the African wilderness, allowing travelers to navigate difficult terrain.

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Jessmyn Solana

Jessmyn Solana is the Digital Marketing Manager of Interact, a place for creating beautiful and engaging quizzes that generate email leads. She is a marketing enthusiast and storyteller. Outside of Interact Jessmyn loves exploring new places, eating all the local foods, and spending time with her favorite people (especially her dog).

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