Goll

Also known as: Goll, son of Morna / the Flame of Battle · Family: Fianna · Role: son of Morna · First appears: The Fianna · Finn, Son of Cumhal · The Coming of Finn · Part 2

When Finn came before the Fianna, Goll, son of Morna, was their head. Asked whether he would leave Ireland or join Finn, Goll chose to give him his hand, becoming the first of the chief men to pledge allegiance. Later, at Ceiscoran, Goll fought three hags, struck two down with one blow, and freed the oldest after she promised to release the captives. At his direction, she freed Finn, Oisin, Fergus of the True Lips and the others. When Finn was missing, Goll refused to take his place until three years had passed and no one in Ireland hoped for his return.

At the battle before Conan’s dun, Goll fought alongside Finn and Caoilte and killed Fionnbhar. He later defeated Ciardan the Swift, and at Almhuin the poets made peace between him and Finn for a while. Their quarrel broke out again over the division of a pig, and the sons of Morna fought Finn’s men at Daire Tardha. When Caoilte met Goll, his spear knocked off Goll’s helmet and took a piece of flesh with it.

At the sea near the strand, Goll killed Cairell, son of Finn. When Osgar came to see his old comrade, Goll mistook him for an enemy and crushed his shield with a spear-cast. Finn sent men to watch the paths to Goll’s cave; Goll stayed among the rocks, where he died after twelve days. His brother Conan vowed vengeance for him, naming Finn, Oisin, Osgar, Caoilte and Daire of the Songs.