Fionn Mac Cumhaill

The 17th-century historian Geoffrey Keating, and some Irish scholars of the 19th century, believed that Fionn was based on a historical figure. The 19th century scholar Heinrich Zimmer suggested that Fionn and the Fenian Cycle came from the heritage of the Norse-Gaels. He suggested the name Fianna was an Irish rendering of Old Norse fiandr "enemies" > "brave enemies" > "brave warriors". although similar tales are found in other cultures. Zimmer proposed that Fionn might be based on Caittil Find (d. 856) a Norseman based in Munster, who had a Norse forename (Ketill) and an Irish nickname (Find, "the Fair" or "the White"). But Ketill's father must have had some Norse name also, certainly not…

The Fianna were a band of warriors also known as a military order composed mainly of the members of two rival clans, "Clan Bascna" (to which Fionn and Cumall belonged) and "Clan Morna" (where Goll mac Morna belonged). The Fenians were supposed to be devoted to the service of the High King and to the repelling of foreign invaders. holding the position for 10 years.