Finn Cycle: Analysis of Major Characters
The Finn Cycle is a collection of legendary tales centered around Finn, an Irish hero and leader of the Fianna Erinn, a band of warriors. These narratives celebrate Finn’s exploits, exploring themes of heroism, moral virtues, and the eventual decline of both Finn and his band. Key characters include Cumhal, Finn’s father and former leader of the Fianna, and Murna, his mother. Goll Mac Morna emerges as both a rival and loyal warrior, while Oisin, Finn’s son, serves as a warrior poet who experiences the passage of time differently after visiting an enchanted land. Other notable figures include Oscar, Finn’s fierce grandson, and Dermot, known for his charm. The cycle also features magical elements, such as the Dark Druid, who casts spells that affect Finn's loved ones, and various characters like Grania and Niam, who contribute to the rich tapestry of stories. The Finn Cycle not only encapsulates the valor and complexities of its characters but also reflects on the fading of an age marked by heroism.
Finn Cycle: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Unknown
Genre: Poetry
Locale: Ireland
Plot: Folklore
Time: Third century
Finn, an Irish legendary hero, the leader of the King's warriors known as the Fianna Erinn. The Finn Cycle is composed of a series of ballads celebrating the brave exploits of this third century hero and his band of warriors; their virtues and their weaknesses; the eventual diminution of their powers; the dissolution of the band; and the waning of a heroic age.
Cumhal, the former leader of the Fianna Erinn and Finn's father.
Murna, Finn's mother.
Goll Mac Morna, the leader of the rival clan and, later, Finn's strong and loyal warrior.
The Lord of Luachar, a chieftain slain by Finn in his first heroic exploit.
Finegas, a sage from whom Finn learns wisdom and the art of poetry.
Conn, the ruler of Ireland, who makes Finn captain of his band of warriors known as the Fianna Erinn.
Oisin, Finn's son. He is a warrior poet. After his father's death, he is taken to an enchanted land where none grows old. After more than two hundred years, homesick for Ireland, he returns and finds the land populated by weaklings, and the heroic age long since passed.
Oscar, Finn's grandson, the fiercest fighter of the Fianna Erinn.
Dermot, the ladies man, Keelta, the warrior poet, Conan the Bald, the gluttonous and slothful trickster, and Mac Luga, the one skilled in courtesy, Finn's men.
The Dark Druid, a sorcerer who changes his beloved into a deer. She is released from the spell by Finn and becomes his wife. When Finn is called away to war, the Dark Druid recaptures the girl and takes her away, this time forever.
Vivionn, a giantess.
Fergus, a minstrel whose music restores peace between quarreling clans.
Grania, the daughter of the king of Ireland. She is married to Finn in his old age.
Niam, a fairy princess who takes Oisin to an enchanted land where none grows old.