Cumhal

Role: Head of the Fianna of Ireland · First appears: The Fianna · Finn, Son of Cumhal · The Coming of Finn · Part 1

Cumhal, husband of Muirne, was Head of the Fianna of Ireland. In Garraidh’s telling, he banished the sons of Morna to far countries, including Alban and Lochlann; later, the sons of Morna killed him while fighting him for leadership. Garraidh says, “it was my own hand and the hands of the rest of the sons of Morna that made an end of him.”

At the birth of his son Finn, Son of Cumhal, Cumhal had already been killed. Goll also recalls fighting Cumhal and says that he fell by Goll’s hand.

Relationship record

Life events

• Cumhal was killed in battle by the sons of Morna.(The Fianna · Finn, Son of Cumhal · The Coming of Finn · Part 1)
  • “Head of the Fianna of Ireland, had been killed in battle by the sons of Morna that were fighting with him for the leadership.”
• In Garraidh's telling, he and the sons of Morna killed Cumhal.(The Fianna · The Wearing Away of the Fianna · The Quarrel with the Sons of Morna · Part 1)
  • With: Garraidh
  • “it was my own hand and the hands of the rest of the sons of Morna that made an end of him.”
• In Garraidh's telling, Cumhal banished the sons of Morna to far countries.(The Fianna · The Wearing Away of the Fianna · The Quarrel with the Sons of Morna · Part 1)
  • With: Garraidh
  • “he banished us to every far country; a share of us he sent to Alban, and a share of us to dark Lochlann, and a share of us to bright Greece, parting us from one another;”
• In Oisin's telling, Finn, son of Cumhal, found the blackbird in Lochlann.(The Fianna · Oisin and Patrick · Oisin's Laments · 📍 Lochlann)
  • With: Oisin Finn
  • “In the country of Lochlann of the blue streams, Finn, son of Cumhal, of the red-gold cups, found that bird you hear now; I will tell you its story truly.”
• In Oisin's telling, he refused to remain under Finn's sway or obey him.(The Fianna · Oisin and Patrick · Oisin's Laments)
  • With: Oisin Finn
  • “I gave an answer to Finn, son of Cumhal; I said I would be under his sway no longer, and that I would obey him no more.”

The Fianna · Finn, Son of Cumhal · The Coming of Finn · Part 1

• child: Finn “At the time Finn was born his father Cumhal, of the sons of Baiscne, Head of the Fianna of Ireland, had been killed in battle by the sons of Morna that were fighting with him for the leadership.”
• married with Muirne “And it went from Manannan to Lugh, son of Ethlinn, and after that to Cumhal, that was husband to Muirne, Ethlinn's daughter.”

The Fianna · Finn, Son of Cumhal · The Coming of Finn · Part 2

• child: Finn “I am Finn, son of Cumhal,” he said, “son of the man that used to be head over the Fianna, and king of Ireland; and I am come now to get your friendship, and to give you my service.”