FINN MacCUMHAILL (647)

Also Known as FINN MACCOOL.

In ancient Irish literature, the legendary leader of the Fianna Éireann, a band of skilled hunters and warrior-poets who flourished in Ireland during the 3rd century and whose exploits are celebrated in the Fenian cycle of tales.

A heroic and kingly figure, wise and sensitive to the beauties of nature, Finn was a popular hero as early as the 7th century.

He was the son of Cumhail (Cool) and a descendent of a high-ranking druid.
Raised in a forest he earned the name Finn (The Fair) and triumphed over Goll MacMorna, his father´s murderer;
becoming the son-in-law of Cormac mac Art, the great pagan king, Finn assumed leadership of the Fianna.

The father of Oisín, the poet, Finn is credited with the authorship of many of the long descriptive Ossianic ballads.