Fionn mac Cumhaill in twenty-first-century Ireland

Abstract

This article surveys the corpus of Fenian narrative available in twenty-first-century Ireland. The socio-political situation during the Celtic Revival era that enabled the continued production of Fenian texts into the present moment is first examined. Revivalist engagements with Fenian narrative, including publishing, folklore collection, and educational activities, are briefly traced. The connection between cultural and political nationalism in late nineteenth- and early twentieth-century Ireland emerges as a key factor in the establishment of the Fianna as cultural symbols for the modern Irish nation—a position which they continue to hold. The remainder of the article explores the twenty-first-century Fenian narrative corpus and traces areas of continuity and development with relation to the revival-era corpus. Areas of consideration include Fenian material in school textbooks, in children's literature and media, and in literature and media for older audiences, including books of heritage and tourist interest. Consideration is given to both English- and Irish-language sources.