Fionn mac Cumhaill

Fionn Mac Cumhaill
Hero and leader of the Fianna
Illustration of Fionn Mac Cumhaill, leader of the Fianna
Other namesFinn MacCool, Fionn mac Cumhaill
AffiliationFianna of Ireland (Clann Baíscne)
WeaponGae Buidhe (spear), sword
TextsFenian Cycle
Ethnic groupIrish
Genealogy
ParentsCumhall (father)
Muirne (mother)
SpouseSadhbh
ChildrenOisín, Fionnuala

Fionn mac Cumhaill (alternatively spelled Finn mac Cumhaill), sometimes anglicised Finn McCool or MacCool, is a hero in Irish mythology, as well as in later Scottish and Manx folklore. He is the leader of the Fianna bands of young roving hunter-warriors, as well as being a seer and poet. He is said to have a magic thumb that bestows him with great wisdom. He is often depicted hunting with his hounds Bran and Sceólang, and fighting with his spear and sword. The tales of Fionn and his fiann form the Fianna Cycle or Fenian Cycle (an Fhiannaíocht), much of it narrated by Fionn's son, the poet Oisín; it has become the most important part of the c. 12th century narrative Acallam na Senórach, and has also been told in other ancient Irish texts.