Irish Myth: Fenian Cycle

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1. The Fenian Cycle is named for Demna, son of Cumhal, commonly known by the more famous name 'Finn' (fair one). Finn was a doughty warrior, and like other Irish heroes he proved his skill at arms at a very tender age. But Finn mac Cumhal (sometimes modernized as Finn mac Cool) was also famous for his erudition. Which of the following is a (partial) description of how Finn became so wise? Trained for seven years under the hollow hills Found and read a magical book bound in goose feathers Stole and drank the Mead of Poetry brewed by the Faery-Folk Inadvertently tasted the flesh of the Salmon of Knowledge

2. Which of the following is NOT a crucial element of the tale of how Finn met his (future) wife, Saba? Saba was the grand-daughter of an otherworldly poet Saba had been transformed from her natural shape Finn's hunting dogs had human parents Finn's homestead was proof against enchantment

3. Finn's only son was called Oisin (eponymous with the Ossianic Cycle). What does the name Oisin mean? Gosling Fox pup Fawn Owlet

4. Finn's warrior daughter bore Finn a grandson, Geena mac Luga. Finn made Geena a captain of men, but Geena proved, slothful, selfish and cruel, and the men rebelled. Finn famously corrected his grandson's ill behavior by teaching him a set of maxims. Which of the following was NOT one of the 'Maxims of the Fianna'? Do not beat your dog or your wife unless they deserve it. Never yield in argument. Do not engage in battle against buffoons. Never betray your own master.

5. I have already alluded to the 'Fianna,' the men of whom Finn was the leader (their name was NOT derived from Finn's). Before a warrior would be permitted to join the Fianna, he had to pass certain severe tests. Which of the following was not among the five tests of the Fianna? To be able to compose good poetry. To be able to run at full speed beneath a knee-high stick. To be able to block nine spears with a stick while buried to the waist. To be able to speak three languages.

6. Among Finn's greatest friends was Dermot O'Dyna of the Love Spot, the Irish Adonis. A number of the Fenian tales center on Dermot. In a tale of Dermot's childhood, Dermot's father Donn kills another child in an act the full consequences of which were not to be felt until much later in Dermot's life. Who did Donn kill by squeezing him or her to death between his knees? Dermot's sister Dermot's best friend Dermot's half-brother Dermot's sweetheart

7. In another tale Finn and his men are transported to land of the Faery-folk, there to help a Faery king defeat a rival in battle. Thirteen of Finn's men get there by being abducted by the king, who wore the guise of the Gilla Dacar (Hard Gillie or Difficult Servant, Difficult Guide); Finn and most of his men find their way to the enchanted realm by wandering through a cave. How does Dermot find his way down? Slips between two standing stones Follows a serpent who coils down the roots of a tree Jumps down a well after an enchanted knight Seduces the daughter of the Faery king, who brings him there in style

8. Which of the following is a (partial) explanation of how Finn's hair turned grey? The jealousy and anger of a low-born warrior The jealousy and treachery of a beautiful woman The mischief and whimsy of a Sidhe godling The mischief and carelessness of a trusted servant

9. Which of the following is NOT an element of the episode leading to the death of Dermot? Finn delays delivery of a magical healing draught Dermot boasts that he is a better lover than any other man in Ireland Dermot hunts the monstrous Boar of Ben Bulben Finn is betrothed to a woman young enough to be his daughter

10. Accounts differ, and are at best incomplete, as to the final ends of both Finn and his son Oisin -- one tradition would have it that they never died and instead are sleeping in a cave, waiting until they are needed -- so I will end the quiz with a question regarding the end of the Fianna, the warriors loyal to Finn. Who brought about the destruction of the Fianna? The king of the Decies, Oscar The king of the Fomorans, Bhaloir Their own king, Cairbry The king of the Sidhe, Lugh