# Irish Fairy Tales — Character guide

> Key figures in Irish Fairy Tales by James Stephens.

- [Fionn mac Uail](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/irish_fairy_tales_se/characters/fionn.md): Fionn mac Uail stands at the center of Ireland's warrior elite, the leader whose judgment the High King and the nobles seek when a plague threatens the land. When the magicians demand a prince's blood to cleanse the king
- [Mongan](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/irish_fairy_tales_se/characters/mongan.md): Mongan Tender Blossom rules Ulster with a poet's heart and a magician's blood, and when he sees the King of Leinster's herd of red-eared cows, he falls in love with them utterly. The two kings strike a reckless bargain—c
- [Goll mac Morna](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/irish_fairy_tales_se/characters/goll_mac_morna.md): Goll mor mac Morna is one of the pillars of the Fianna, a man whose presence at Fionn's banquet carries the weight of past conflicts and present alliances. When Fionn places him in the seat of honor, the gesture acknowle
- [Becfola](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/irish_fairy_tales_se/characters/becfola.md): Becfola is the queen at Tara whose heart belongs elsewhere, and when a cleric denounces her before the king, her double life collapses in a single devastating moment. Accused of being in the Shí with her arms around Flan
- [Tuan mac Cairill](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/irish_fairy_tales_se/characters/tuan_mac_cairill.md): Tuan mac Cairill is the foster-brother of Time itself, a man who has leaped over the scythe and dodged under it while centuries of belief crumbled around him. When Finnian of Moville arrives to convert him, Tuan refuses 
- [Cael](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/irish_fairy_tales_se/characters/cael.md): Cael of the Iron is a champion whose temper is as quick as his feet, and when Fionn presents a hulking, disheveled stranger as his opponent, Cael nearly chokes on his own rage. He insults the Carl, refuses to build a she
- [Becuma](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/irish_fairy_tales_se/characters/becuma.md): Becuma arrives at Tara as Conn's new queen, but her vanity has been bruised by submission, and she rages against Ireland and especially against young Art. She challenges Art to a chess match with stakes, loses deliberate
- [Fergus Fionnliath](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/irish_fairy_tales_se/characters/fergus_fionnliath.md): When Fionn's people and clann-Morna fall into a bloody brawl, Fergus gathers the poets and chants the combatants into stillness. At Tara he is the one witness Goll will accept, sworn to do justice between the two sides, 
- [Mac an Dáv](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/irish_fairy_tales_se/characters/mac_an_dav.md): Mac an Dáv keeps the ancient practices, refusing Finnian admittance and trusting that the abbot's hunger will drive him away. But Finnian fasts on his doorstep until hospitality forces the door open, and the siege works 
- [Duv Laca](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/irish_fairy_tales_se/characters/duv_laca.md): Duv Laca is married to Mongan after peace is made with Fiachna Duv, and their chess games at the palace seem a picture of ease. When the King of Leinster claims her as the price of a bargain, she refuses to let Mongan br
- [Cormac mac Art](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/irish_fairy_tales_se/characters/cormac_mac_art.md): Cormac mac Art presides at Tara with his son Cairbre and daughter Ailve beside him, calling witnesses and weighing the claims of Fionn and Goll after the great brawl. He is the still centre of a violent world, demanding 
- [Conn](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/irish_fairy_tales_se/characters/conn.md): A king or warrior, often appearing in tales of the Fianna.
- [Uct Dealv](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/irish_fairy_tales_se/characters/uct_dealv.md): A beautiful woman from the Otherworld, sought after by heroes.
- [The Carl of the Drab Coat](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/irish_fairy_tales_se/characters/carl_of_the_drab_coat.md): The Carl appears in humble dress among the great, and his plain coat conceals a power that the proud consistently underestimate. He is the kind of figure who watches, waits, and then acts when the moment suits him, turni
- [Aillen mac Midna](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/irish_fairy_tales_se/characters/aillen_mac_midna.md): A supernatural being who terrorizes Tara with his fiery breath.
- [Finegas](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/irish_fairy_tales_se/characters/finegas.md): A poet and sage who mentors the young Fionn in wisdom.
- [Branduv](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/irish_fairy_tales_se/characters/branduv.md): A warrior of the Fianna, known for his dark hair and fierce nature.
- [Conán the Swearer](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/irish_fairy_tales_se/characters/conan_the_swearer.md): Conán belongs to the Fianna, the roving warrior band whose exploits and quarrels fill these tales, and he is the member most likely to be talking when he should be fighting. His bluster is his flaw and his function: he s
- [Fiachna Finn](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/irish_fairy_tales_se/characters/fiachna_finn.md): A warrior and ally of the Fianna, involved in various adventures.
- [Manannán mac Lir](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/irish_fairy_tales_se/characters/manannan_mac_lir.md): Manannán moves between the Many-Coloured Land and the mortal world, appearing unannounced where kings are cornered and heroes are desperate. He is generous and dangerous at once: when Fiachna is besieged by venomous shee
- [Crimthann](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/irish_fairy_tales_se/characters/crimthann.md): A king or warrior in tales of the Fianna and Irish legend.
- [Tibraidè](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/irish_fairy_tales_se/characters/tibraide.md): A character appearing in the tales, possibly a warrior or king.
- [Segda](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/irish_fairy_tales_se/characters/segda.md): A minor figure in the Fianna stories, likely a warrior.
- [Fiachna Duv](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/irish_fairy_tales_se/characters/fiachna_duv.md): A dark-haired warrior of the Fianna, involved in conflicts.
- [Muirne](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/irish_fairy_tales_se/characters/muirne.md): Mother of Fionn, a central figure in his origin story.
- [Dermod](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/irish_fairy_tales_se/characters/dermod.md): A handsome warrior of the Fianna, often in romantic tales.
- [Uail mac Baiscne](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/irish_fairy_tales_se/characters/uail_mac_baiscne.md): Father of Fionn, a leader of the Fianna before his death.
- [Fiacuil mac Cona](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/irish_fairy_tales_se/characters/fiacuil_mac_cona.md): A warrior of the Fianna, known for his strength and loyalty.
- [Iollan Eachtach](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/irish_fairy_tales_se/characters/iollan_eachtach.md): A warrior of the Fianna, often in battle scenes.
- [Delvcaem](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/irish_fairy_tales_se/characters/delvcaem.md): A beautiful maiden from the Otherworld, sought by heroes.
- [The Fianna](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/irish_fairy_tales_se/characters/fianna.md): The Fianna are the fighting fellowship at the heart of the cycle, bound by oath and led by Fionn, moving through a landscape where gods, saints, and venomous sheep alike test them. Their strength is also their fragility:
- [Morgan](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/irish_fairy_tales_se/characters/morgan.md): A character in the Fianna stories, possibly a warrior or king.
- [Caelte mac Ronán](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/irish_fairy_tales_se/characters/caelte_mac_ronan.md): A swift warrior of the Fianna, known for his speed and skill.
- [The Black Hag](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/irish_fairy_tales_se/characters/black_hag.md): A malevolent supernatural figure who appears in various tales.
- [Cairell Whiteskin](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/irish_fairy_tales_se/characters/cairell_whiteskin.md): A warrior of the Fianna, known for his pale complexion.
- [Conaran](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/irish_fairy_tales_se/characters/conaran.md): A minor figure in the Fianna cycle, possibly a foe.
- [Oscar](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/irish_fairy_tales_se/characters/oscar.md): A grandson of Fionn and a mighty warrior of the Fianna.
- [Cuillen](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/irish_fairy_tales_se/characters/cuillen.md): A minor character in the Fianna stories, possibly a servant.
- [Cromdes](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/irish_fairy_tales_se/characters/cromdes.md): A druid or wise figure in the tales of the Fianna.
- [Bran](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/irish_fairy_tales_se/characters/bran.md): Fionn's magical hound, famous for his loyalty and size.
- [Tuiren](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/irish_fairy_tales_se/characters/tuiren.md): A woman transformed into a hound in a tale of enchantment.
- [Caevóg](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/irish_fairy_tales_se/characters/caevo_g.md): A minor female character in the Fianna stories.
- [Cairidè](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/irish_fairy_tales_se/characters/cairide.md): A warrior or figure in the Fianna tales.
- [Conán Mael mac Morna](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/irish_fairy_tales_se/characters/conan_mael_mac_morna.md): A member of the Fianna, possibly related to Goll.
- [The Ard-Rí](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/irish_fairy_tales_se/characters/ard_ri.md): The High King of Ireland, a recurring authority figure.
- [Saeve](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/irish_fairy_tales_se/characters/saeve.md): A woman transformed into a deer, mother of Oisín.
- [Fergus True-Lips](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/irish_fairy_tales_se/characters/fergus_true_lips.md): A truthful warrior or poet in the Fianna cycle.
- [Partholon](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/irish_fairy_tales_se/characters/partholon.md): An early mythical settler of Ireland, mentioned in tales.
- [Oisín](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/irish_fairy_tales_se/characters/oisin.md): Son of Fionn and Saeve, a poet and warrior of the Fianna.
- [Sceólan](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/irish_fairy_tales_se/characters/sceolan.md): One of Fionn's loyal hounds, often mentioned with Bran.
- [Eolgarg](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/irish_fairy_tales_se/characters/eolgarg.md): A giant or monstrous figure in the Fianna tales.
- [Credè](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/irish_fairy_tales_se/characters/crede.md): A beautiful woman in the Fianna stories, often a love interest.
- [Ben Edair](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/irish_fairy_tales_se/characters/ben_edair.md): A warrior or figure associated with the Fianna.
- [The Lochlannachs](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/irish_fairy_tales_se/characters/lochlannachs.md): Viking-like invaders who appear in some tales.
- [Tara](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/irish_fairy_tales_se/characters/tara.md): The ancient seat of the High Kings, personified in tales.
- [Clann-Morna](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/irish_fairy_tales_se/characters/clann_morna.md): A rival clan to Fionn's Baiscne, often in conflict.
- [Bovmall](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/irish_fairy_tales_se/characters/bovmall.md): A minor character in the Fianna cycle.

HTML index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/irish_fairy_tales_se/characters