By: Nellie Thomas

Fenian cycle

The Fenian cycle is a collection of short stories that are all based on one man: Fin Ma Cool.

The reason the entire cycle is based on Finn is because Finn turned the Fianna around from a group that was once feared, to a group of high integrity and honor.

The Fenian cycle was written by the ancient Celts

It is based on the time period of around 3rd century A.D.

What is the Fenian cycle?

Finn was the son of Cumhall (former Fianna leader) and Muirne ( daughter of the powerful druid, Tagd)

Finn was always on the run as a child, because the then current leader of the Fianna didn't want Finn to take his rightful leadership of the Fianna.

Eventually Finn showed how all great and powerful he was and took over the Fianna.

The rest of the Fenian cycle is about Finn and his Fianna roaming Ireland, doing the deeds of the Fianna.

Who is Finn Ma Cool?

“The boyhood deeds of Finn”“Finn joins the Fianna and becomes its

captain”“The birth of Finn’s hounds”“The enchanted deer: the birth of Oisin”“The pursuit of Dairmuid and Grainne”“ Oisin in the Land of Youth”

Select Stories

The Fianna Were led by Finn Ma cool They were an elite and very talented group of Ancient Celtic warriors. They lived in mostly woods, and would often just basically live off the land that

they were on, until they were called upon by the king for battle. The Fianna had great honor; when they joined the Fianna, they vowed to

always respect women, such as once they were married, they could not accept money from the bride’s family. Also they could not divorce.

12-30 men LOVED to fight Fianna requirements: Non-fighting tests: They had to memorize the twelve ancient books of poetry. They had to be able to recite original poetry in rhyme and pattern Physical Tests: They would be buried in the ground, waste down, with a shield and hazel stick

and have to defend themselves from nine warriors throwing spears at them. They would have to leap over a piece of wood as tall as their eyebrows They would have to pull a thorn out of their foot, without loosing full speed They would have to get under a board at knee height without loosing full speed

Fianna

They are called the ancient CeltsThey lived in Ireland in the regions Leinster

and Munster.very brave, people: sometimes they would

even go into battle naked with just their weapons to show their bravery.

Many times people would risk their lives in order to maintain their honor

They lived in dwellings, very simple peopleworshiped natureWould rather live in woodlands or open

pastures because of constant invasion

The people of the Fenian cycle

Ancient Ireland:

Ancient Celts:

Pictures

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