Irish Fairy Tales
Central hero of the tales, leader of the Fianna, associated with wisdom and strength.
The Boyhood of Fionn
The central figure of the chapter, whose boyhood and formative experiences are detailed.
I
Referred to as Deimne in his youth; being raised secretly in the woods by women druids after his father's death.
II
Young Fionn is shown as a curious and adventurous child, climbing trees and exploring the woods, and receiving a secret visit from his mother.
III
The child being raised by his aunt and the women Druids, hearing stories of his father and the clan Morna.
IV
The young Fionn is trained by women in running, leaping, and swimming, enduring harsh lessons that shape him into a swift and agile youth.
V
Fionn is forced to sleep in a tree, struggles to stay silent, and is handed over to traveling poets.
VI
Young Fionn witnesses the killing of the poets and bravely identifies himself to Fiacuil.
VII
Fionn lives with Fiacuil in the marsh, learning woodcraft and survival skills, and is later sent away by his guardians due to the threat from Clann-Morna.
VIII
Young Fionn, called 'Fionn' or the Fair One by boys, displays exceptional skill in chess, sports, and hunting, but his pride and ability lead to conflict and exile.
IX
Fionn, calling himself Deimne, seeks wisdom from Finegas and serves him, hoping for the Salmon of Knowledge.
The Salmon of Knowledge
As a boy, he studies under Finegas, learns discipline of thought, accidentally gains wisdom from the Salmon of Knowledge, and shows integrity by not eating the fish intentionally.
XI
Arrives at Tara as a young man, having finished his education, and is welcomed by the High King.
XII
Volunteers to defend Tara against Aillen mac Midna, using his wisdom from the Salmon of Knowledge.
XIII
Alone on the plain of Tara, waiting for Aillen mac Midna; shows deep knowledge of the night and sounds.
XIV
Protagonist who uses his spear and mantle to defeat Aillen, then claims leadership of the Fianna.
The Birth of Bran
Father of Bran, central figure in the narrative.
I
Loves dogs, owns three hundred including Bran and Sceólan, and is visited by his mother Muirne and aunt Tuiren.
II
Mentioned as the royal captain whose messenger Uct Dealv impersonates.
III
Invoked by Uct Dealv to force Fergus to take the dog.
IV
Fionn is mentioned as the one who must be satisfied; Fergus's actions are driven by the desire to please Fionn.
V
Demands the return of Tuiren and threatens Iollan with death if she is not found.
Oisín's Mother
Fionn rescues Saeve, marries her, and searches for her after she is taken.
I
Leads the hunt and is puzzled by the fawn and his hounds' behavior.
II
Fionn falls deeply in love with Saeve, neglecting his duties and the Fianna, and vows to protect her from the Fear Doirche.
III
Leads the Fianna to victory against the Lochlannachs but is consumed by his love for Saeve, rushing back to Allen only to find her gone.
IV
The great captain who returns to the Dun to hear the devastating tale of his wife's transformation into a fawn by a being that bore his shape.
V
Fionn leads the hunt after seven years of searching for Saeve; he finds a boy who reminds him of Saeve and adopts him.
VI
Fionn is utterly devoted to the boy, calling him by many tender names and prioritizing him above all others, even his hounds and champions.
VII
Fionn questions the boy about his past and recognizes the Dark Magician of the Men of God.
The Little Brawl at Allen
Leader of the Fianna, present at the brawl and central to maintaining order.
I
Hosts the banquet and grows stern as Goll's generosity surpasses his own.
II
Fionn confronts Goll about the tribute and his father's death, struggles with anger, and later leads the Fianna into battle before agreeing to submit the matter to Cormac mac Art.
III
Presents his case at Tara, agrees to Fergus True-Lips as witness, blushes at the king's remark, and ultimately accepts the judgement.
The Carl of the Drab Coat
Leader of the Fianna, confronts the Carl of the Drab Coat.
I
Leader of the Fianna; goes to Faery and later sets out to find Caelte mac Ronán.
II
Travels alone through a gloomy wood and meets the Carl of the Drab Coat; agrees to let the Carl run the race against Cael of the Iron.
III
Presents the Carl as Cael's race opponent.
VI
Fionn is consumed by terror and rage as he awaits the race's conclusion, ultimately silencing the champions and going to the hilltop himself.
VII
Fionn demands reports from the watcher and eventually looks himself, brooding over the distance with his great brow.
The Carl of the Drab Coat
Addresses the Carl, witnesses the defeat of Cael, and later makes a feast for the revealed god.
The Enchanted Cave of Cesh Corran
Leader of the Fianna, central figure in the cave adventure.
I
The prudent chief and poet, whose adventurous spirit and love for the unusual often lead him into trouble.
II
Fionn is hunting alone with Conán and his hounds, unaware of Conaran's plot.
III
Fionn's sight is changed by Conaran's arts; he leads Conán into the cave to investigate the daughters of Conaran.
IV
Fionn is among the first to be weakened and bound by the sisters.
V
Released from enchantment after Goll's victory.
VI
Offers his daughter to Goll after the combat, showing a moment of alliance despite their ongoing feud.
Chapter VI
Mentioned as one of the protectors under whom Segda is placed.
VII
Fionn is among the princes outraged at the idea of harming Segda, standing for personal honor against the demands of national necessity.
Mongan’s Frenzy
Mentioned in connection with Mongan's past identity or lineage.
