The Training of Fionn MacCool

Fionn learned almost everything from his nurses. One taught him to run and hunt with courage and the other taught him manners and about the ways of women. Both taught him about Clan Bascna and encouraged him to avenge his father’s death and take his place as both the leader of Clan Bascna and of the Fian warriors.

For Fionn to become a Fianna, he needed to become a skilled warrior. The training needed was more than the nurses could provide and so he was sent into the world to learn to be a great warrior like his father. He would have to go through many rigorous tests and not all were related to battle.

On his journey, he killed Lia the Lord of Luacher and took back the treasure bag of the Fianna. He then met his uncle Crimmal and the other survivors of Clan Bascna. Fionn learned that he had avenged his father’s death when he killed Lia. His uncle and the other survivors schooled Fionn in the ways of martial arts. They taught Fionn the rules and history of the Fianna. Crimmal told Fionn that to become clan chieftain he must go beyond his skills as a fighter and learn the ways of bards and poets. Fionn was sent to learn from the druid Finnécas.

Fionn learned that the best time for him to bring up his ability of being clan chieftain would be during the Great Fair. The reason was because he could not be arrested by Goll’s warriors. His uncle and the remaining members of Clan Bascna would meet him there.