Publisher's Synopsis
The Fians or Stories, Poems and Traditions of Fionn and His Warrior Band is a book written by John Gregorson Campbell. It is a collection of stories, poems, and traditions about Fionn and his band of warriors, known as the Fians. Fionn is a legendary figure in Irish mythology, and the Fians were said to be a group of warriors who roamed the countryside, protecting their people and fighting against their enemies.The book includes a variety of tales about the Fians, including stories of their battles, adventures, and romances. It also includes poems and songs that were said to have been sung by the Fians themselves. The book is written in a style that reflects the oral tradition from which these stories and poems originated.The Fians or Stories, Poems and Traditions of Fionn and His Warrior Band is a fascinating look into the world of Irish mythology and the legends that have been passed down through generations. It is a must-read for anyone interested in Celtic mythology, folklore, or history.1891. The stories, poems and traditions in this book were gathered entirely from oral sources as opportunities arose and follow the legendary exploits of Fionn and his warrior band. The warrior-bands called Fianna were composed of people who had cut themselves off from mainstream society and created a counterculture of their own. They renounced allegiance to their relatives, retaining allegiance only to each other. They served as mercenaries for tribal rulers, but for much of the year they lived by hunting and gathering in the wilderness. Their disregard for boundaries meant that they often interacted with creatures from the Otherworld, and could assume the shapes of the animals they hunted. Most of the surviving stories are about Fionn Mac Cumhaill and his band of Fenians. Fionn Mac Cumhaill's men are all drawn as individuals: Oisin the poet and mystic, Diarmuid the lover, Caoilte the conciliator, Conan the boastful but cowardly bully, the scrupulously fair Oscar, and so on. Part of the delight of the stories is how these diverse and contrasting personalities manage to cooperate in order to ensure the group's survival. They are also known for their generosity and hospitality. See the other works by this author available from Kessinger Publishing.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.
