Finn

Also known as: Deimne / Fair / Finn of the Fianna / Finn of the great name / Finn of the princes / Finn the open-handed head of the Fianna / Finn, son of Cumhal · Family: Fianna · Role: Head of the Fianna of Ireland · First appears: The Gods · Lugh of the Long Hand · The Great Battle of Magh Tuireadh · Part 3

Finn, son of Cumhal and Muirne, was born after his father had been killed by the sons of Morna. Bodhmall and Liath Luachra secretly nursed him in the woods of Slieve Bladhma, and at the end of six years Muirne visited him there. After the women sent him away for his safety, he beat the young lads at swimming at Magh Lifé and gained the name Finn, meaning Fair. He took service with the King of Finntraigh, then travelled to Crimall, his father’s brother, and gave him the treasure-bag of his father. He learned poetry from Finegas at the Boinn and gained the wisdom of the salmon; later, Fiacha gave him a spear that could keep sleep from him.

At Teamhair, Finn offered the High King his service and friendship. When Aillen threatened the place, Finn kept watch through the night and killed him with Fiacha’s spear. The headship of the Fianna of Ireland was then given to Finn, and Goll was the first of its chief men to pledge allegiance to him. Finn led the Fianna through hunts and battles, welcomed those who came to serve, and rewarded his people and poets. He took Sadbh as his wife; after she was changed back into a fawn, he searched for her for seven years, and the Fianna later found her son, Oisin, who became their poet and fighter. Finn also married Maighneis, and, after her death, Grania was promised to him; she fled with Diarmuid, and Finn pursued them for years before peace was made.

Finn’s dealings with Diarmuid turned from pursuit and conflict to reconciliation, but after Diarmuid was fatally wounded by the Boar of Beinn Gulbain, Finn brought water to him too late. He later went with Grania, and they remained together to the end. After Osgar died at the Battle of Gabhra, Finn had no peace or pleasure again. At the last gathering of Finn, Oisin and the Fianna, they met for hunting, battle, chess, drinking and music; afterward, the Fianna wore away one after another.