By Dubhán Ó Longáin
Dr Dubhán Ó Longáin, from Fionn Folklore, explores the important role played by Clann Mhorna within the Fianna, focusing on Goll mac Morna, a formidable one-eyed warrior, along with his brothers Conán Maol and Garadh.
In my previous article of this series, I mentioned that Fionn mac Cumhaill’s father, Cumhall, was killed at Cath Cnucha (the Battle of Knock). Different versions of this tale see Cumhall being killed by Conn Céadchathach (the famed high king) or, in Scottish versions, by Arca Dubh. Most commonly, however, Cumhall is killed by the first character we will discuss here – Goll mac Morna.
>>> RELATED: The folkloric legacy of Fionn mac Cumhaill, his son Oisín and grandson Oscar
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Goll mac Morna
Goll is, at the time in which many Fiannaíocht tales are set, the leader of Clann Mhorna – a family who, despite their rivalry with Clann Bhaoiscne (Fionn’s family), have a few members in the Fianna. He is the strongest member of the Fianna and, along with Oscar (Fionn’s grandson), is often portrayed as one of the greatest warriors of the Fianna. It is frequently Goll who is seen to deliver the final blow to enemies, as in Laoi an Airghinn Mhóir, Laoi Mná an Churacháin and many others.
As explained in stories recounting his boyhood deeds, Goll’s mother died when he was just a few days old and several wet nurses were needed in order to satisfy the infant’s hunger; this continues for around a year. Goll was then kept in a cage with a supply of meat until he was three.
Goll’s original name was Iollann and he is occasionally referred to by this name in some tales. The Irish term “goll” means “one-eyed” and he was given this name after he lost an eye in his battle with Cumhall. As we know, Goll ultimately triumphs in this feud. Several versions of his own death exist.
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Conán Maol
Conán Maol is Goll’s brother and is often portrayed as a hot-tempered buffoon. In one tale, Conán kills a giant in a pre-emptive attack and is condemned for his actions. It is, however, explained that he is only criticized because the rest of the Fianna are afraid of his prowess.
Conán appears in quite a few tales but tends to play only marginal roles. In Laoi na Mná Móire, he shows deep care for dogs but also kills a woman unnecessarily, resulting in a dispute with Diarmaid. In this dispute, Conán states that he would kill his own daughter were she to do what the woman did.
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He is often used for comedic effect, as happens in Eachtra Chab an Dosáin. In a similar vein, the “maol” of his name refers not to the baldness of his head but to losing a strip of skin after being pulled by force from an enchanted chair in Bruíon Chaorthainn.
Garadh
Garadh is the third of the Morna brothers and the least frequently appearing in the folkloric record. He appears in the tale Dóiteán Tighe Fhinn, which recounts that Garadh and the women of the Fianna have a falling out that results in him attempting to burn them inside a house while the rest of the Fianna are on a hunt. The Fianna notice the flames and are able to save most of the women. Garadh is put to death as a consequence of his actions. He chooses to be executed with his head on Fionn’s thigh, resulting in an injury to Fionn.
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In some versions, Garadh’s son Aodh is tricked into performing the execution. Aodh then loses his mind and, in many tales, drowns himself. In a version from Tory Island, Aodh spends three days striking the water with a flail before tiredness encroaches. A character called Tollaire promises to strike the water on Aodh’s behalf while he rests. Tollaire, however, does not fulfil his promise and leaves Aodh to drown.
The phrase “Taobh Aodh le Tollaire” is used when someone fails to fulfil a promise or neglects his duty.
Dr Dubhán Ó Longáin earned his PhD from Ulster University, having focused his doctoral research on the poetry of the Fenian cycle. He is interested in folklore, literature and the manuscript tradition, with a particular interest in how creative writers draw inspiration from folklore. He is currently working with the Fionn Folklore Database, creating learning materials to accompany the database. Read more from Dubhán here.
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