#liath luachra

[kitabasis]

What if I wrote a story that was Percy Jackson but Irish mythology (especially the Fenian cycle) with 300x more prominent environmental themes. What then.

[dailydemonspotlight]

Fionn Mac Cumhaill - Day 56

Race: Genma

Alignment: Light-Neutral

June 17th, 2024

Can you believe it guys? SMT V: Vengeance, just a... wait, it already came out? Damn, this joke doesn't work. Still, today we delve deeper into the hallowed hallows of Irish stories, examining a certain hero that has only one rival in terms of his popularity, which says a lot, given that rival is none other than Cu Chulainn; a legendary hunter-warrior who led the powerful army of warriors known as the Fianna, Fionn Mac Cumhaill. Infamous within the series for having one of the toughest boss fights in SMT V, Fionn actually is one of the most popular (and prominent) legendary figures in Irish folklore, and I'm frankly surprised it took this long for him to show up in the series.

Most of these Irish stories come in the forms of appearing in books called cycles- for one, the Ulster Cycle covers the exploits of Cú Chullain and Queen Medb, but in the case of Fionn Mac Cumhaill, one need not look further than another one of these books, that being the Fenian Cycle. The reasoning for this common naming scheme has actually been lost to time, so that's fun, but at least some people try to offer explanations. One that I enjoy actually comes from a Reddit post that purports that it may be because these tales 'cycle' around a certain character, like how the Fenian cycles around Fionn, or the Ulster cycles around Cú. That aside, though, these tales are notable from place to place for both providing context on Irish history itself as well as being great stand-alone stories in-and-of themselves.

One of these stories in the Fenian Cycle is entitled "The Boyhood Deeds of Fionn," originating as a fractured manuscript called Laud 610: folio 118Rb-121Va, though translations and added-on segments from other stories likely connected have led to the commonly accepted translation. Originally, Laud 610 was the only thing we had to work off of for Fionn Mac Cumhaill, a 14th century manuscript written in I believe Gaelic? The most recent translation we have to work off of, made up of translations, transliterations, and added-on segments, appears in a book written by Joseph Falaky Nagy called "The Wisdom of the Outlaw: Boyhood Deeds of Finn in Gaelic Narrative Tradition." In the story, it goes over the, well, exploits of Fionn Mac Cumhaill, starting with what else but his birth.

In the tale, it begins with the death of Fionn's father, Cumhall, who was the leader of the Fianna, a word used to effectively mean a band of hunter-warriors. Killed by his mortal enemy, Goll mac Morna, his unborn son and his wife Muirne were waiting for him, but upon Muirne learning of his death, she sent her son away as soon as he was born, fearing for his safety. This son's name was Demne, and whom he ended up with, a druiddess named Bodhmall, gave him the surname of Máel, his name effectively meaning "Stalwart shorthair druid." Bodhmall and her gal-pal Liath Luachra end up raising Demne to be a strong warrior, accompanying him on his myriad adventures, within one of which he gains his name, Fionn. After eating a salmon. We'll get to that. Given that he was just a kid, he had no real reason to be much of a fantastic warrior as of yet. However, the fates had different plans.

One day, while out hunting with a band of the Fianna, he'd come across a nice place to go fishing. While still known as Denme, aka being very young, he'd come across what was effectively a video game sidequest- a poet named Finnegas had spent years fishing in a nearby river to catch the mythical Salmon of Wisdom, as he had gotten a prophecy years back that he would eventually eat the salmon and gain all the world's wisdom. However, he had very poor luck. Denme, recognizing the frustration of the struggle, offered to help in going fishing. After a little while, the poet finally caught it! Recognizing the metaphorical good luck charm in Denme now by his side, he'd let the kid cook it.

While cooking the salmon, however, Fionn accidentally burned his thumb, to which he instinctively stuck it in his mouth... incidentally blessing himself with all the world's knowledge. Likely astonished by how dumb this kid was, Finnegas would give up, letting him have the entire rest of the salmon, now meaning that he could have access to the entire world's repository of knowledge... as long as he sucked his thumb. Yeahhh. Hilariously, this ability went on to be known as the "Thumb of Knowledge." I gotta wonder how Fionn felt when he got older and still had to do such an embarrassing ritual to access his strength.

As Fionn began to grow older, he grew accustomed to working under the services of many kingdoms, but when he'd mention his father's name- Cumhall- they'd send him away out of fear that they couldn't fight off his enemies. As it'd turn out, Cumhall was a massive fan of making foes, and was also a piece of work, to say the least, having abducted his wife and forced her to marry. Yikes. Thankfully, Fionn was far from his father in spirit, as shown when in future myths he ended up forgiving and even teaming up with Goll mac Morna. This story also ties into the Fomorians, but I'll leave you to look into that further yourself.

Several more myths surround Fionn, but this DDS is growing long, so I'll let you read them yourself. Trust me, they're a blast. A personal favorite of mine is that he never truly died- instead, he sealed himself into a cave to return when Ireland was at it's most dire moment. Given Irish history, I dread to think about what could happen next for Fionn to return (joke shamefully stolen from OSP's fantastic video on Fionn mac Cumhaill.) It's speculated that the reasoning for Fionn's biting of his thumb to access his pool of knowledge is actually connected to a belief in Fionn possibly being based on a real figure as well, though who this historical figure is is unknown- as the theory goes, he might've had a habit of biting his thumb while deep in thought. While this hypothesis has been offered time and time again, it's hard to pin down who exactly Fionn might have been.

In SMT, Fionn's design is honestly one of my favorite in the series, combining so many aspects of his character- his badass hunter-warrior look, druidic influences, his great blade, all the way down to one of his thumbs being covered in salmon-colored scales. I haven't played SMT V, unfortunately, but he appears as a rather infamous boss in the game with an utterly bumping theme, almost feeling like an anime character's theme track, which is very fitting, given Fionn's exploits. I can't wait to see this guy when I finally get my hands on Vengeance.

[myth-lord]

Animals + their Mythika/Myth counterparts

I get a lot of questions about what animals have which myth variants or which animals do you use in mythika, for all of you this list.

BIRD: Phoenix / Caladrius / Stymphalides / Boobrie / Valravn / Nachtkrapp / Rarog / Colorobetch / Zhenniao / Rukh / Penchapechi / Thunderbird / Tsenahale / Psonen / Naujakuksualuk / Achiyalabopa / Tuyango / Alicanto / Camulatz / Minokawa / Makalala / Impundulu /

BIRD PART ONLY: Wolpertinger / Keythong / Griffon / Peryton / Sphinx / Harpy / Erinyes / Pegasus / Nosoi / Siren / Celedon / Kere / Ascalaphus / Hraesvelgr / Valkyrie / Kikimora / Alkonost / Aitvaras / Dijiang / Xiao / Piasa / Quetzalcoatl / Peuchen / Lechuza / Snawfus / Tripodero / Roperite / Ropen / Kongamato /

FISH: Echeneis / Hippocampus / Akheilos / Marool / Trollgadda / Vatnsandi / Hrokkall / Lilyi / Isonade / Namazu / Caspilly / Slide-Rock Bolter / Abaia / Anae-Moe-Oho / Chipfalamfula /

FISH PART ONLY: Ziphius / Zitiron / Scylla / Merrow / Lorelei / Lapiduch / Sagari / Qalupalik / Agloolik / Mishibizhiw / Cipactli / Cuero / Cuchivilu / Rumptifusel / Adaro / Siyokoy / Muldjewangk / Yawkyawk /

FELINE: Pard / Nemean Lion / Cait Sith / Nekomata / Kasha / Zheng / Serpopard / Mishibizhiw / Cactus Cat / Splintercat / Mngwa / Pixiu /

FELINE PART ONLY: Manticore / Keythong / Griffon / Sphinx / Chimera / Ovinnik / Tarasque / Nue / Taotie / Ammut / Piasa / Succarath / Bulgasari / Dingonek / Tatzlwurm /

CANINE: Cerberus / Teumessian Fox / Barghest / Cwn Annwn / Cu Sith / Garmr / Kludde / Osschaert / Fenrir / Chicheface / Pesanta / Kitsune / Salawa / Amarok / Akhlut / Cadejo / Kumiho /

CANINE PART ONLY: Peryton / Psoglav / Gaueko / Skinwalker / Rougarou / Ahuizotl / Chupacabra / Nguruvilu / Ga-Gorib /

HORSE: Monoceros / Pegasus / Kelpie / Nuckelavee / Ceffyl Dwr / Each Tened / Sleipnir / Helhest / Sin-You / Apaosha /

HORSE PART ONLY: Centaur / Hippocampus / Dullahan / Phooka / Coiste Bodhar / Valkyrie / Hrosshvalur / Caballucos Diablu / Sagari / Qilin / Besta Fera / Tikbalang / Anggitay / Inkanyamba / Psoglav /

SERPENT: Amphiptere / Ouroboros / Basilisk / Amphisbaena / Hypnalis / Seps / Haermorrhois / Lamia / Hydra / Python / Caorthannach / Suileach / Ajatar / Jormungandr / Ikuchi / Uktena / Tizheruk / Haietlik / Quetzalcoatl / Peuchen / Yacumama / Boitata / Bakunawa / Grootslang / Nyuvwira / Inkanyamba /

SERPENT PART ONLY: Jaculus / Scitalis / Chimera / Gorgon / Ladon / Attorcroppe / Tatzlwurm / Nue / Orochi / Tienlung / Shen / Serpopard / Wakandagi / Rahara / Nguruvilu / Ihuaivulu / Snow Wasset /

BAT: Amphiptere / Manticore / Water Leaper / Kludde / Moroi / Strigoi / Issitoq / Camazotz / Chaneque / Chon-Chon / Aswang / Ahool / Popobawa / Olitiau / Guiafairo /

RAT/MOUSE: Rat King / Nosoi / Lavellan / Tesso / Ugjuknarpak /

ANT: Gold-Digging Ant / Nuno /

WORM: Skolex / Olgoi-Khorkhoi / Minhocao /

BASED ON SMALL PREDATOR ANIMALS: Ichneumon / Dobhar-Chu / Gulon / Ramidreju / Kamaitachi / Raiju / Nalusa Falaya / Aniwye / Ahuizotl / Snow Wasset / Rompo /

SCORPION: Manticore / Scorpios / Girtablilu /

RABBIT: Wolpertinger / Jackalope / Phooka / Almiraj / Carbuncle /

DEER: Wolpertinger / Crocotta / Peryton / Jackalope / Cerynitis / Sianach / Hiiden Hirvi / Bies / Qilin / Ijiraq / Piasa / Delgeth / Wakandagi / Anhanga /

WHALE: Ziphius / Cetus / Raudkembingur / Hrosshvalur / Bakekujira / Akhlut / Encantado /

GOAT: Barometz / Chimera / Faun / Phooka / Buckrider / Shurale / Zlatorog / Sigbin /

BUTTERFLY/MOTH/CATERPILLAR: Piskie / Awd Goggie / Pyrausta / Shinchu /

HYENA: Crocotta / Kishi /

AMPHIBIAN: Salamander / Water Leaper / Alp-Luachra / Bagiennik / Bolotnik / Bukavac / Lapiduch / Arzhavennik / Kappa / Chan Chu / Cueyatl / Cipactli / Minhocao / Tiddalik / Yara-Ma-Yha-Who / Khodumodumo /

APE/MONKEY: Yeti / Nependis / Fear Liath / Kappa / Nue / Satori / Xiao / Ahuizotl / Whirling Whimpus / Ahool / Ga-Gorib /

BOVINE: Catoblepas / Minotaur / Khalkotauroi / Aatxe / Erchitu / Huallepen / Sarangay /

BOAR/PIG: Catoblepas / Nependis / Muscaliet / Yale / Erymanthian Boar / Chrysaor / Gloson / Ramidreju / Curupira / Cuchivilu / Squonk / Bonguru / Babi Ngepet /

ANTLION: Myrmecoleon /

OCTOPUS/SQUID: Lusca / Scylla / Grindylow / Kraken / Iku-Turso / Marabbecca / A-Mi-Kuk / Snallygaster / Migas / Kerit /

SQUIRREL: Muscaliet / Ratatoskr /

DINOSAUR/PREHISTORIC REPTILE: Odontotyrannus / Morgawr / Tarasque / Stoa / Ropen / Burrunjor / Mbielu-Mbielu / Ngoubou / Kongamato / Mokele-Mbembe / Muhuru / Mamlambo / Nguma-Monene / Kasai Rex / Ninki Kanka / Gambo /

ANTELOPE: Yale / Shadhawar /

MANTIS: Empusa / Mandarangkal /

SEA VERMIN: Charybdis / Shellycoat / Muirdris / Skeljaskrimsli / Atuikakura / Kurage-No-Hinotama / Shen / Nakshatra Meenu / Pua Tu Tahi / Tridacna /

BEE/WASP: Thriae / Ulagu / Eintykara / Bonguru / Zankallala /

CRAB: Karkinos / Heikegani / Kamikiri / Saratan /

SPIDER: Arachne / Jorogumo / Tsuchigumo / Djieien / Jba Fofi /

MOLE: Buggane /

SEAL: Selkie / Huallepen / Bunyip /

LEECH: Burach Bhadi / Bezkost / Tlanusi /

LOCUST: Bruch / Haakapainizi /

HEDGEHOG/PORCUPINE: Manticore / Arkan Sonney / Velue / Pukwudgie /

BEAVER: Afanc /

CROCODILE: Afanc / Ammut / Cipactli / Cuca / Gbahali / Gambo /

BEAR: Osschaert / Skeljaskrimsli / Otso / Berserker / Bauk / Sermilik / Qupqugiaq / Drop Bear / Kerit /

LIZARD: Bukavac / Ajaju / Xhumpedzkin / Hodag / Whowie / Intulo /

SNAIL/SLUG: Lou Carcolh / Sazae-Oni /

FLY: Musca Macedda / Druj Nasu / Mambabarang /

DRAGONFLY: Caballucos Diablu /

TORTOISE/TURTLE: Tarasque / Kappa / Longgui / Motelo Mama /

ELEPHANT/TAPIR: Baku / Airavata / Bulgasari / Grootslang /

CENTIPEDE: Omukade / Kugdlughiak / Ek Chapat / Con Rit /

BEETLE/FIREFLY: Jinshin Mushi / Scarab / Adze /

RHINOCEROS: Karkadann /

ARMADILLO/ANTEATER/SLOTH/PANGOLIN: Carbuncle / Mapinguari / Dingonek /

ASSASSIN BUG: Abuhuku /

LLAMA: Jarjacha /

KANGAROO: Sigbin /

KOALA: Drop Bear

[thevagabondexpress]

OH HOLY SHIT alix/minerva = liath luachra/bodhmall = if they have kids like their canon selves i'm going to have to write a genderbent twp analogue too because FIONN MCCUMHAILL REFERENCE?! which i can not let go to waste

[darksapphademia]

thinking about bodhmall and liath luachra on this day

[taisestarr]

Structural parallels between Lugh and Fionn mac Cumhaill

Lugh has the knowledge of incarnating, as shown in the previous post. So I assume that Fionn mac Cumhaill might be Lugh’s incarnation. The idea is not new, here are some references on research from Mark Williams’ ‘Ireland’s Immortals’ on this topic (and he also mentions this idea in the book):

- J. Carey, ’Nodons, Lugus, Windos’,  - T. O Cathasaigh, ‘Cath Maige Tuires as Exemplary Myth’,  - P. Mac Cana, ‘Fianaigecht in the pre-Norman period’.

I haven’t read them yet, but I’ve read stories about Lugh’s and Fionn’s youth. Here are some parallels that I’ve found (for Fionn I rely on James Stephens’ retelling):

1. Childhood far away from other people, where the hero gained all necessary knowledge. For Lugh it’s Emain Ablach with Manannán as his foster father. Fionn grew up in an isolated forest of Sliabh Bladma.

2. The importance of foster mothers: Tailtiu for Lugh and druidess Bodhmall with a female warrior Liath Luachra for Fionn mac Cumhaill. Both Lugh’s and Fionn’s birth mothers are alive, living their separate lives.

3. Once the hero gained all knowledge, he went to Tara, self-assertive and audacious.

4. Fionn gained the magical weapon and instruction from a foster father-like figure Fiacha mac Congh before the battle. Lugh possessed a number of magical items from his foster father Manannán, who also gave him the necessary knowledge.

5. The hero defeated the fire-related otherworld deity persona, who burned everything with his music (Áillen) or evil eye (Balor). Both of them are related to that otherworld persona from maternal lineage. Fionn is Nuada’s descendant, Lugh is Balor’s grandson. 

6. This victory is crucial, being an initiation. Both Lugh and Fionn became rulers after that.

7. Same magical items. Fionn obtained a special spear, which seems similar to one of Lugh’s spears. He also has other artifacts from Manannán, like crane-bag (more details here).

On the top of that, Fionn’s name meaning also matches Lugh:

Finn/find means "white, bright, lustrous; fair, light-hued (of complexion, hair, etc.); fair, handsome, bright, blessed; in moral sense, fair, just, true" (from here)

The main difference here is that the people and their otherworld changed. In the Mythological Cycle Tuatha Dé Danann were the people with Fomori as otherworld. In the Fianna Cycle humans are the people, while Tuatha Dé Danann became the otherworld creatures. Time changed, while the essence is the same.

These parallels are enough for me to state that Fionn is an incarnation of Lugh, representing his Macnia aspect. All Lugh's aspects are in this post.

[lastromanticist]

Cath Cnocha Uodate #4:

Progress today was steady, and the text finally got past the prolouge. There were only a few words I couldn't understand from Kelly's spelling, and I do keep an 1860s dictionary at hand for when he may be using an archaic word. The highlight so far is definitely the first lay which is all about Liath Luachra the Grey one of morno although in the text his epithet is the "Of the Conversations" this definitely makes this more closely related in tradition to the Cath Cnocha lays in the Dunaire Fionn than Fotha Catha Cnucha. Mention is made of Cumhalls magic talismans and a fishing hook found in fionns tressurbag which appear in the tradition allot. I have not yet gotten to a battle scene though it appears there will be many.

For my edition, I'm torn between naming the text as Kelly does "The Battle of the Hill or the battle of Castlenock " as its usually referred to. I'm 18 folios done transcribing out of a total of 75. I remember the Ossianic society was preparing an edition of this text that never got published. I'm gonna do some digging to find out if Kelly's translation was meant for that volume, and in the case that it is ill be publishing it under that name.

[theonpilled]

I wonder why some of the local legends of fontaine have medieval chanson names (yseut, the twins angelica and medoro) while others have irish folklore names (dobharcu, like the otter king dobhar-chú, and luachra, either from Liath Luachra or the Alp-luachra)

[dani-dear]

am kinda thinkin abt what to potentially do for a portfolio project perhaps???? was leaning towards some designs for a Fionn mac Cumhaill type thing.. Celtic mythology :0

or maybe even just focus on his totally gay moms Bodhmall n Liath Luachra ahaaaa

[leeoconnor]

Bodhmall and Liath Luachra sharing a tender moment. Fionn’s foster mothers are the only female couple I can think of from Mythology, but I’d love to be proved wrong.

[oddnub-eye]

Mythology Drabbles #30

@whatissleepeven since I know you like these.

Some more Emer after Cu’s death, but less angsty this time.

Disclaimer: Some of these drabbles are not presented entirely accurately to the source material they are drawn from. They are not meant to be entirely accurate. That being said, I hope you enjoy, and constructive criticism is always welcomed and encouraged.

////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

After his Fall

Emer didn’t return to Ulster after the burial of Cu Chulainn, choosing instead to linger in Dun Scaith. Scathach or Uathach didn’t object, it was nice to have an actually decent cook around.

One day, as Emer was tending to a stew, Uathach asked, “Why don’t you return to Ulster? Medb is dead, an invasion can’t be leveled at it now. I would think you wish to return to your home.”

Emer didn’t look away from the meal she was cooking, “I don’t think I could....I don’t think I could stay in that house again.”

Uathach only nodded, before standing and leaving. Emer remained tending to the stew. The smell permeated throughout Dun Scaith, the spices and meats mixing in a pleasant aroma.

When the stew was finally prepared, Uathach arrived first, with Scathach and her new following. The children were energetic and happy, excited for a meal after a long day. Emer set off to the side from the students, sitting alone with her bowl. Uathach sat across from her.

“Oh?” Emer asked, surprised at the company.

“It would be rude of me to leave you at your lonesome.” Uathach smiled, “You have been quite a help around here.”

Emer allowed a small smile, “Was the food really that bad before I got here?”

“It wasn’t that bad,” Uathach laughed, before leaning closer to Emer, whispering, “But there’s probably a reason Cu Chulainn got so hooked on your cooking after going to it from mother’s.”

Emer giggled, even as Scathach's eyes bore into them from across the room.

                                                              …

Uathach grew closer to Emer in the coming weeks, becoming Emer’s closest companion in Dun Scaith. Uathach would linger in the kitchen Emer prepared meals, Emer would wait near the training fields as Uathach slowly took over for her mother in training students.

In the beginning, the two talked of Cu Chulainn often, sharing admiration of him, Emer telling of his adventures in Ulster, Uathach telling of his time in Dun Scaith. Emer would speak of his more comic moments; his lack of a sense of direction, his obsession with puppies, making sure to visit every newly birthed litter.  Uathach would speak of his over eager and reckless approach to training; when Scathach told the students to dodge her attacks, Cu Chulainn would charge right towards her, crying “She can’t throw weapons if she’s defeated.”

It never succeeded until the day the Hound graduated from Dun Scaith.

Over time, their talks grew to encompass more subjects. They still talked of Cu Chulainn, of course, but other topics grew in frequency. 

Eventually, one year, when Scathach finally retired from teaching, her body finally unable to keep up with her previous feats, there was a boom in students. Probably due to the expectation that Uathach would be significantly less deadly than Scathach.

Uathach gave all those who came a chance to leave, and told the children to sit out.

“Get through me, and into Dun Scaith, and you will be taken on as students. I will make it easier for you.”

After that, Uathach tied one arm to the small of her back, and beckoned for the warriors to come.

Not a single warrior in that charge made it past the gates.

“I wanna try!” A young child cried, hair as white as the snows falling around him.

Uathach frowned, “I do not recommend it, child, you saw what happened to the grown warriors.” Uathach gestured to the blood stained snows and the warriors fleeing towards the hills.

The child did not respond, only charging forward. Uathach tossed her spear aside, intending to simply grab the child. But the child did something strange. He reached into the bag slung on his back, pulling a spear, much too large for both the bag and his small frame from it.

“What the-” Uathach murmured, before the child dropped the spear, the moment the spearhead collided with the ground, the snow exploded into a cloud of steam.

Uathach quickly dove for her spear, grabbing it and spinning it, the motion dispelling the steam.

The child was nowhere to be seen.

Uathach looked around, before a voice cried.

“I DID IT!”

Uathach turned, seeing the boy cheer from inside the walls of Dun Scaith.

Uathach sighed, “You're a clever boy.”

“Indeed,” a young girl said, hair bright like flames, walking by him, “Of course, I can still beat him in a fight.”

“Well that’s an interesting claim,” Uathach laughed, bending down to pick up the boy’s spear.

“Well, well, well.” Emer laughed, calling down to Uathach from the Dun’s walls, “Looks like you’ve got two pupils! Congratulations!.”

“Wha-” Uathach said, before realizing the flame-haired girl had joined the boy in Dun Scaith’s walls.

Uathach sighed, “I guess you’re right.”

Uathach walked over to the two, “What are your names?”

“Cumhall!” The boy with snow hair declared, happily accepting his spear back, replacing it into his sack.

“Liath Luachra.” The girl said, watching Cumhall struggle to repack his spear.

                                                         …

That night, Emer laughed, “It’s funny that out of all the people who came to be your students, the two who succeeded were the youngest.” 

“Shut up,” Uathach groaned, tired from having gotten the young children settled in.

“And that one of them got in, talking to you, because you got distracted.” Emer laughed, “Pretty clever of the kid.”

Uathach slammed a pillow over Emer’s head, “Shut up.”

Emer only giggled, wrapping her arms around the current mistress of Dun Scaith, “Goodnight, teacher.”

“Shut up.” Uathach groaned, even though she returned the hug.

[gods-sugar-daddy]

OH THATS SO MUCH FUNNER

but yeah his lesbian moms Bodhmall and Liath Luachra

Finn McCool sounds like an mary sue oc until you realize that he's the king of the fianna and had 2 lesbian godmothers and probs not even dead

FIONN MAC CUMHAILL ???????

[kathleeson]

foster mothers

[virisileia-blog]

✕     If Liath Luachra was in FGO, she’d be a Four Star SR and she would be marketed as a discount Scathach due to comparison of myth and ability and I would 100% have her on my team with Fionn.

[myth-lord]

It’s been a while

A Bao A Qu Aatxe Abaia Abere Adaro Adze Afanc Agrippa Agropelter Ahi At-Trab Ajaju Ajatar Ahuizotl Akaname Akhlut Alicanto Alp-Luachra Amhuluk Amikuk Ammut Aniwye Aproxis Asanbosam Asdeev Aswang Awd Goggie Baldanders Banshee Basilisk Baykok Berserker Boobrie Bruch Bubak Buggane Bukavac Bulgasari Bunyip Burach Bhadi Burrunjor Cactus Cat Caleuche Carbuncle Catoblepas Cherufe Chon-Chon Chupacabra Clurichaun Colorobetch Cuelebre Cuero Dactyl Dijiang Djieien Djinn Doppelganger Dorotabo Draugr Drop Bear Dullahan Each Tened Ebajalg Echeneis Eintykara Enenra Ewah Fachen Fafnir Fear Liath Fire Salamander Gaasyendietha Gargoyle Gashadokuro Gaueko Gegenees Girtablilu Gloson Goblin Gold-Digging Ant Golem Haietlik Hantu Bulan Harpy Heikegani Hinqumemen Hongaek Hyakume Hydra Ichneumon Iku-Turso Imp Impundulu Intulo Invunche Ipetam Isonade Itqiirpak Ittan-Momen Jenglot Jinmenju Jinshin Mushi Jorogumo Jubokko Juggernaut Kamaitachi Karkadann Kayeri Kelpie Kerit Keukegen Kikimora Kongamato Kumiho Lampad Leanan Sidhe Leucrotta Likho Lou Carcolh Lunantishee Makhai Mandarangkal Manticore Marool Mbielu-Mbielu Minotaur Miraj Mishibizhiw Mokele-Mbembe Muirdris Musca Macedda Muscaliet Myrmecoleon Nakshatra Meenu Nekomata Nidhogg Nocnitsa Nuckelavee Nue Nurikabe Olgoi-Khorkhoi Omukade Osschaert Otso Papinijuwari Peuchen Phooka Planctae Polong Poludnica Popobawa Psonen Pukwudgie Pyrausta Qalupalik Qinyuan Raiju Rat King Raudkembingur Redcap Rock Bolter Roperite Saratan Sazae-Oni Scorpios Scylla Shinchu Sianach Sigbin Skolex Sluagh Soucouyant Sphinx Stray Sod Succarath Taotie Tarasque Tesso Tiyanak Valravn Valkyrie Vish Kanya Wanyudo Water Leaper Wendigo Will o Wisp Ya-Te-Veo Yara-Ma-Yha-Who Yehwe Zogbanu Yuki-Onna Zhenniao Zirnitra

Abaasy Abuhuku Acheri Aerico Agemo Aghash Agloolik Ahkiyyini Ahool Aigamuxa Airavata Aitvaras Akashita Akheilos Alkonost Alp Amadan Dubh Amarok Amikiri Amphisbaena Andrealphus Anggitay Anhanga Ankou Aoandon Apaosha Argus Arzhavennik Asag Ashinaga-Jin Askafroa Astromyxin Atuikakura Azi Dahaka Aziwugum Bagiennik Bakekujira Baku Bakunawa Banaspati Barbegazi Barghest Barometz Batibat Bauk Baxbakwalanuxsiwae Belphegor Berbalang Berberoka Bezkost Bies Bilwis Binaye-Ahani Bixi Blemmyes Boitata Bolla Bolotnik Bonguru Boroboroton Bouda Brollachan Buckrider Bungisngis Bushyasta Butatsch Cacus Cadejo Cagrino Caladrius Calopus Camazotz Camulatz Candileja Caorthannach Caspilly Cat Sith Ccoa Ceffyl Dwr Celedon Centaur Cerastes Cerberus Cetus Charybdis Chicheface Chimera Chipfalamfula Chrysaor Cindaku Cipactli Cockatrice Codrille Coiste Bodhar Con Rit Cu Sith Cuca Curupira Cwn Annwn Cyclops Dalaketnon Delgeth Devalpa Dingonek Dobhar-Chu Dodomeki Domovoi Drekavac Druj Nasu Dryad Dybbuk Echidna Egregore Einherjar Ek Chapat El Tunche Eloko Emela Ntouka Empusa Encantado Erchitu Erinyes Erlking Erote Erumia Erymanthian Boar Eurynomos Fad Felen Far Darrig Faun / Satyr Fear Gorta Fext Flaga Fomorian Fossegrim Frittening Fulad-Zereh Ga-Gorib Gaki Gancanagh Gardinel Garmr Gbahali Ghul Globster Gorgon Gowrow Graeae Gremlin Griffin Grindylow Grootslang Gu Guarana Guiafairo Guiamala Gulon Gumberoo Haemorrhois Hala Harionago Havhest Hekantoncheires Helhest Hidebehind Hippocampus Hraesvelgr Hrimpursar Hrokkall Hrosshvalur Huallepen Huay Chivo Hypnalis Ifrit Ihuaivulu Ijiraq Ikuchi Incubus Indrik Inulpamahuida Isogashi Issitoq Itzpapalotl Jack-in-Irons Jaculus Jarjacha Jba Fofi Jidra Kaiaimunu Kameosa Kamikiri Kampe Kappa Kapre Karkinos Kasa-Obake Kasai Rex Kasha Katsura-Otoko Kaw-Kaw Khalkotauroi Khodumodumo Kholkikos Kirin Kishi Kitsune Kludde Knucker Kobold Kori Kraken Krojemanchen Kubot Kulshedra Kunopegos Kurage-No-Hinotama Ladon Lagahoo Lakuma Lamia Landvaettir Lavellan Lechuza Leprechaun Leshy Libelula Diablu Lilyi Llorona Lomie Longgui Lorelei Lunwaba Lusca Luz Mala Ly Erg Maenad Mahaha Makalala Mambabarang Mandragora Mantabungal Mapinguari Mara Marabbecca Marakihau Mekurabe Melalo Melinoe Metminwi Migas Minhocao Mngwa Monoceros Morgawr Morko Moroi Moskitto Motelo Mama Mothman Muhuru Mummy Myling Nachtkrapp Nadubi Naglfar Nalusa Falaya Namazu Nargun Nemean Lion Ngoubou Nguma-Monene Nguruvilu Ninki Nanka Nosoi Nuberu Nuno Nuppeppo Nure-Onna Nyuvwira Oboroguruma Odei Odontotyrannus Oniate Onikuma Orang Minyak Oread Otoroshi Ouroboros Ovinnik Parandrus Pard Pegasus Penchapechi Peryton Pesta Phoenix Piasa Piskie Pixiu Poltergeist Porotai Psoglav Pua Tu Tahi Qiuniu Questing Beast Qupqugiaq Radande Rahara Raktabija Ramidreju Rarog Ratatoskr Rawhead Roc Rogo-Tumu-Here Rokurokubi Rompo Ropen Rougarou Rumptifusel Rusalka Sagari Salawa Sandwalker Sarangay Satori Scarab Scarbo Scytalis   Selkie Seps Serpopard Sessho-Seki Shadhawar Shellycoat   Shen Shurale Siehnam Sin-You Siren Siyokoy Skeljaskrimsli Skinwalker Snawfus Snoligoster Snow Wasset Spartoi Splintercat Spriggan Springheel Squonk Stella Stoa Stolas Strigoi Stuhac Stymphalides Succubus Suiko Suileach Suzuri No Tamashii Sylph Tailypo Tartalo Tatzlwurm Tculo Tenaga-Jin Tenome Terra-Cotta Tetragnathon Teumessian Fox Thunderbird Tiddalik Tikbalang Tizheruk Tlanusi Topielec Toyol Traicousse Tripodero Troll Trolual Tsemaus Tsenahale Tsenagahi Tsuchigumo Tsurube-Otoshi Tupilaq Tuyango Ugjuknarpak Ulagu Umdhlebi Umibozu Undine Urmahlullu Utelif Utlunta Vatnsandi Veela Velue Veo Vodyanoi Vritra Wakandagi Waldgeist Whowie Wolpertinger Wulgaru Wyvern Xan Xecotcovach Xhumpedzkin Xiao Xing Tian Yale Yamabiko Yanagi-Baba Yawkyawk Yeitso Yeti   Yowie Zamba Zaraa Zheng Ziphius Zitiron Zlatorog Zmey Zombie Zorigami

[teatitty]

Some neat facts about Bodhmall, Fionn’s druidess mother, is that while she’s always his bio aunt, in some texts she is said to be the sister of his father and in others she’s the sister of his mother. These days you’ll find more people call her Muirne’s sister however. Regardless, when she learned Muirne feared for her sons life (and her own), Bodhmall followed her into the Sliab Bladma (Slieve Bloom) and acted as her midwife. Along with being Fionn’s foster mother, she also acted the part of nurse and taught him the ways of the druid. She cherished him softly and passed down all her wisdom to him 

Liath Luachra, in contrast, was characterized as being a warrior woman with a fierce spirit and steadfast heart. She was said to have “not been the marrying kind, preferring Bodhmall’s company” which is why you see queer folk like myself doing this 👀. She took Deimne in and raised him just for Bodhmall and was strict in her teachings. Not only did she teach him about the animals and survival, but also how to make arrows from birch wood (yes Fionn can shoot “straight and true” with a bow it’s just not mentioned much) and all of her martial prowess. The extent of her teachings vary, but it’s generally accepted that she taught him to respect life and only let him venture out on his own once he was able to hit her as many times as she hit him in their sessions together. Despite her high expectations and stern teachings, she loved him as her own just as much as Bodhmall did

Speaking of family relations, Muirne’s other sister, Tuireann, the mother of Bran and Sceolan, is sometimes, though very rarely, stated to be Fionn’s sister rather than his aunt. Her name also varies; from Uirne to Tuireann (alt spelling: Tuiren) to Tuirn. Depending on what version of the Bran and Sceolan tales you read, her husband’s name also changes: in the earliest version we know of he was Imchad, the prince of Dál nAraide and in others he is Iollan (or Iollann Eachtach)