A Tale from the Fenian Cycle

The Legend of Knockmany is often thought of as a children’s or fairy tale and is in print in many children’s books. But it is a tale from the ancient Fenian Cycle.

These stories tell of the exploits of Finn McCool and the warriors Fianna. The Fianna were aristocratic, but landless, young men and women who roamed Ireland in the early Medieval era. They often lived as hunters in the wilderness, but were often quartered by nobility. When quartered, they “kept the peace” – perhaps a polite way of saying that they acted as mercenaries for their hosts.

In any event, they had many adventures as chronicled in the Fenian Cycle.

The Legend of Knockmany is a bit different from many Fenian Cycle tales in that Finn McCool prevails not from his own strength and courage, but from the wile of his wife Oonagh.

The story starts out at the Giant’s Causeway (in County Antrim) but most takes place at Knockmany Hill (in County Tyrone). Knockmany is indeed one of the tallest hills in the area, 700+ feet above sea level, and provides a brilliant panoramic view of the surroundings. Knockmany is also the site of an ancient cairn and tomb, dating back at least 2,000 years ago and perhaps 3,000.

Enjoy the story, at the pdf link below.

The image at the top is from the web, original source unknown. The image on the left is believed to be from Celtic Fairy Tales, by Joseph Jacobs, (1892).

Some Notes

Oonagh is pronounced OOH-nah

Knockmany is pronounced NAHK MAH-knee

Finn McCool in Irish is Fionn mac Cumhaill

Fianna is pronounced FEE-ah-nah