Fionn MacCumhaill was the greatest leader of the legendary Fianna, an ancient warrior band of old Ireland. Fionn was the son of Cumhaill the leader of the Fianna. The Fianna were a band of mercenary warriors who lived apart from the rest of Gaelic society.
The Fianna wandered around in the ancient Irish wilderness, with no possessions. They were famous throughout the land for their generosity and knowledge of the entrances to the “otherworld.”
The Early Life of Fionn MacCumhaill
Fionn’s mother was Muirne, who was the daughter of Tadg MacNuadat, a gaelic druid.
Fionn began his life under the tutelage of a warrior woman and a druid poet whose quest was the acquisition of the “salmon of knowledge”, a mythical creature that encompassed extensive esoteric secrets. Fionn had the opportunity to catch this mythical fish and he successfully ensnared it, bringing it back with him to his residence. When Fionn arrived home, he began to cook the salmon, burning his thumb in the process. Instinctively he instantly placed his thumb into his mouth. This action gifted Fionn the extensive knowledge that many sought.
The Adult Life of Fionn MacCumhaill
As a rite of passage, Fionn travelled to the hill of Tara, the seat of inauguration for all those who would claim high kingship of Ireland. While there he outwitted the infamous fairy Aileen, who every ‘Samhain‘ would destroy the site by lulling all those guarding the premise with her music. However, this would not be enough to overcome Fionn, he intelligently derived a plan to stay awake. He intentionally wounded himself, to ensure he would not fall asleep.
A Brief Look at Samhain
“The pagan Gaelic people celebrated the festival known as Samhain. It marked the end of the Celtic year. Festivities were observed and High Kings were inaugurated. The Gael’s believed that on this day, the veil separating the mortal realm from the supernatural was at its weakest. The spirits would roam the land. To protect oneself from the nefarious of the spirit realm, the Gaels would dress in a way that would make it difficult for the spirits to distinguish who was mortal and who was not.”
Fionn’s nobility was evident to all those he encountered, the leader of the Fianna stepped aside on sight of him, allowing him to reclaim his rightful position as the leader of the warband. He went on to marry and have a son. He named his son Oisin, another famous figure in Irish folklore.
The Legend That Never Dies
Fionn MacCumhaill is said to have constructed the world famous Giant’s causeway in the Northern stretches of Ireland. Some even suggest that Fionn never died, instead retreating into seclusion, only to return when Ireland is most at need.