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Famous Duels Trivia Quiz

A look at some famous duels in history, literature and movies.

A multiple-choice quiz by robert362. Estimated time: 5 mins.

Author
robert362

Time
5 mins

Type
Multiple Choice

Quiz #
110,265

Updated
Dec 03 21

# Qns
10

Difficulty
Tough

Avg Score
5 / 10

Plays
784

One at a Time - Single Page - Timed Game

Question 1 of 10

1. The most famous duel in American history is the one betwen Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr. Which statement is true? Hint

Hamilton was an accomplished duelist

Hamilton issued the challenge in order to further his career

Burr tried to avoid the duel

Burr believed that the duel would help his fame and reputation

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Question 2 of 10

2. A famous writer died in a fatal duel involving the honor of his wife. Who was the victim? Hint

Gogol

Tolstoi

Turgenev

Pushkin

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Question 3 of 10

3. Another "duel" of sorts actually involved several people: the now legendary "shootout" at the OK Corral. What ultimately happened to Doc Holliday? Hint

Died in bed

Ambushed by his enemies

Hanged after a trial

Killed in the shootout

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Question 4 of 10

4. A different type of "shootout" involved Pat Garrett and "Billy the Kid". Where did this occur? Hint

Texas

Colorado

Arizona

New Mexico

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Question 5 of 10

5. A famous pirate met his demise in a form of a duel with Captain Maynard. Who was the pirate? Hint

L'Ollonois

Henry Morgan

Captain Kidd

Blackbeard

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Question 6 of 10

6. Nostradamus is famous for his prophecies. One prophecy has been interpreted as referring to the death of a king in a joust.
Which king's death is the prophecy said to describe? Hint

Edward IV

James III

Charles I

Henry II

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Question 7 of 10

7. A duel by swords is a popular "swashbuckling device" in classic movies. In which movies does Errol Flynn kill Basil Rathbone in this manner? Hint

Ivanhoe, Adventures of Robin Hood, Captain Blood

Captain Blood, Ivanhoe

Captain Blood, Adventures of Robin Hood

Adventures of Robin Hood, Ivanhoe

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Question 8 of 10

8. Shakespeare used sword duels as a dramatic device. Who killed Hamlet in one such duel? Hint

Laertes

Claudius

Fortinbras

Polonious

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Question 9 of 10

9. Which U.S. president created scandal by his participation in dueling activities? Hint

Andrew Jackson

James Monroe

James Madison

Martin Van Buren

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Question 10 of 10

10. The most famous duel in TV involves a nameless, faceless victim - who for several seasons got shot at the start of each episode. What was the TV show? Hint

Gunsmoke

The Big Valley

The Virginian

Bonanza

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Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts

1. The most famous duel in American history is the one betwen Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr. Which statement is true?

Answer: Burr believed that the duel would help his fame and reputation

Burr, a bit of a scoundrel, was a more accomplished duelist. He mistakenly thought that public reaction to the duel would be favorable for him. It wasn't - but things were worse for the fatally wounded Hamilton.

2. A famous writer died in a fatal duel involving the honor of his wife. Who was the victim?

Answer: Pushkin

Pushkin was married to a younger woman who was generally considered a great beauty. One thing led to another ...

3. Another "duel" of sorts actually involved several people: the now legendary "shootout" at the OK Corral. What ultimately happened to Doc Holliday?

Answer: Died in bed

Wyatt Earp (and Morgan and Virgil) met the Clantons (and some other people) in Tombstone, Arizona. Holliday survived - for many years. Despite his lifestyle, he died in bed.

4. A different type of "shootout" involved Pat Garrett and "Billy the Kid". Where did this occur?

Answer: New Mexico

"Billy the Kid" gained fame in the so-called "Lincoln County Wars".
The shootout was apparently a misunderstanding: Garrett shot the non-confrontational Billy.

5. A famous pirate met his demise in a form of a duel with Captain Maynard. Who was the pirate?

Answer: Blackbeard

Blackbeard, aka Edward Teach, confronted his pursuer, Maynard in a sword fight. Blackbeard lost - the fight, his life, and his head.

6. Nostradamus is famous for his prophecies. One prophecy has been interpreted as referring to the death of a king in a joust. Which king's death is the prophecy said to describe?

Answer: Henry II

Henry II was killed during a joust when his protective helmet - the "golden cage" described in the prophecy - was pierced by a lance.

7. A duel by swords is a popular "swashbuckling device" in classic movies. In which movies does Errol Flynn kill Basil Rathbone in this manner?

Answer: Captain Blood, Adventures of Robin Hood

Flynn puts the sword to bad guy Basil in "Blood". Rathbone is a fellow pirate) and in "Robin Hood" (Rathbone is Sir Guy of Gisbourne). Robert Taylor, not Flynn, is the star of "Ivanhoe". A joust figures prominently in that story.

8. Shakespeare used sword duels as a dramatic device. Who killed Hamlet in one such duel?

Answer: Laertes

Not to mention Macduff and Macbeth.

9. Which U.S. president created scandal by his participation in dueling activities?

Answer: Andrew Jackson

"Old Hickory" was indeed a crusty fellow. He dueled more than once.

10. The most famous duel in TV involves a nameless, faceless victim - who for several seasons got shot at the start of each episode. What was the TV show?

Answer: Gunsmoke

As the show opens, Matt Dillon stands in the street and has a shoot out with someone unknown. Matt wins every time.

Source: Author robert362

This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor Exit10 before going online.
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