The story begins with the explanation of
Cormac mac Art's formation of the
Fianna as a defense force for Ireland, which was originally led by Finn's father,
Cumhal. Cumhal is killed by
Goll mac Morna, who takes over leadership of the Fianna, and Cumhal's wife
Muirne flees to give birth to Finn. The boy grows up strong in the manner of his father, studies under the poet
Finn Eces, accidentally tasting the
Salmon of Knowledge and thereby gaining magical powers, and ultimately regaining leadership of the Fianna by defeating the
Fairy that haunts the Court of
Tara,
Aillén mac Midgna. Goll swears loyalty to him, and Finn rules the Fianna successfully thereafter. Similar to Sutcliff's Arthurian novel
The Sword and the Circle, most of the chapters in this novel are nearly stand-alone tales, covering many of the stories and characters associated with the Fenian Cycle. Some of these include: Finn's courtship of
Sadhbh and the birth of
Oisín; the tales of
Diarmuid and Grainne;
Niamh of the Golden Hair; the Giolla Dacker; multiple encounters with the
Fair Folk; and ultimately ending with
Cath Gabhra and the downfall of the Fianna. ==References==