|
|
|
|
Clanna Baoisgne
Associated to Place:
AncientWorlds >
Celtia >
Eire >
Leinster >
Cill Dara >
articles
-- by
Tracing the roots of the Baoisgne clan of Leinster
Clanna Baoisgne (pronounced "Baskin") figures prominently in the Fiannaíocht or Fenian Cycle of ancient Irish literature. This collection of stories centers around the hero Fionn Mac Cumhaill, grandson or descendant of Baoisgne. In these 12th century writings, Fionn Mac Cumhaill is also called Fionn of Baoisgne and chief of the children of Baoisgne.
Fionn Mac Cumhaill was the son of Muirne Fair-Neck and Cumhaill, son of Art, or named in some accounts as "son of Baoisgne (smooth-palm)" from Clanna Baoisgne of the Fenians of Leinster, although this could be referring to Baoisgne as an ancestral name and not as the actual name of Cumhaill's father. As chief of the Leinster Fenians (militia), Cumhaill set out to restore the power of the race of Cathaoir mor, the second century monarch who was the rootstock of most Leinstermen, and he fought against Conn of the Hundred Battles at Cnucha (modern day Castleknock). Cumhaill was slain by the chief of Clan Morna, Goll Mac Morna, and this set off a famous rivalry between his grandson, Cormac, and Fionn mac Cumhaill. Clan Morna of Connaught and Clann Baoisgne of Leinster each claimed to be the only true Fianna Eirinn. After the battle, Clann Baoisgne scattered. Cumhaill's wife gave birth to his son who was sent away under protection to be raised in the mountains of Slieve Bloom. This child was called Deimne because of his fair hair, and later went by the name of Fionn ("fair") Mac Cumhaill. He was restored to his rightful inheritance by the High King and became the leader of Clanna Baoisgne. In the Lays of Finn (@1100) the Battle of Gabhra ("gav-ra") is described in great detail. The High King Cairbre Liffeachair took a strong dislike to the Fianna, which escalated into an all-out war. Cairbre was killed at the horrible Battle of Gabhra and the Fenians suffered such heavy losses that the militia was destroyed. Only twenty survived. Among the names of those who fought and died at Gabhra are "Fionn son of Breasal...Fionn Ban, grandson of Baoisgne...Baoisgne, son of Fionn..." Clanna Baoisgne was noted for their vehemence as warriors. In his history of pre-Christian Ireland, Canon Bourke lists five orders of "knighthood" or distinguished militia that correspond to the five realms of old Ireland. An Clanna Baoisgne is "the Knights of Leinster." |
Courtyard
~ Table of Contents ~
|
