A malison is a curse. What is a benison?

Which word means both a male swan and the core of an ear of corn? What is a male swan called? What is a male turkey called? A malihini is a newcomer to which U.S. state? A mallet, balls, wickets and stakes are used in which lawn game? A mallet, a ball, boots and horses are used in which sport? Which author wrote the 1985 bestseller "The Mammoth Hunters"? A man, a woman in distress, ladders and a giant ape all appeared in which video game that debuted in 1981?