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The Fennidh Way

The Fennidh Way

By Odin Knudsson

Introduction

I look at this document as a guide to the Fennidh path. It is not a complete all encompassing handbook but more like an aid to assist you in your journey. It helps to answer and clarify basic questions that the new or potential Fennidh may have about the way yet it does not define it for the path is different for each individual. I am constantly reviewing and refining this document so at best it is a work in progress

Who are the Fianna?

The Ancient Fianna were national heroes of the people of Ireland. During the summer, they lived in small bands and sustained themselves by hunting and fishing while chasing enchanted animals and their enchanted owners or served as for hire mercenaries to the highest bidder. During the winter, they were quartered by local lords and acted as a type of police force to maintain law and order.

Historically, the Fianna appear to have been bands composed of young men who had not received an inheritance and could not participate in the tribal society, and men who had for one reason or another, removed themselves or had been removed from society by there conduct.

Because of their wild and mysterious nature, the war bands were associated with otherworld magic and knowledge. The Fennidh tales abound with stories of enchanted hunts that end in the hall of a De Danaan chief, or in the bed of a goddess. Fionn MacCumhaill, a leader of the most famous of these fian bands marries Sadb, said to be the daughter of the god Dagda who lives as a deer and bears his famous son, Ossian, whose name means little fawn.

So powerful were the images and reputations of these fian bands that a whole mythic cycle has been devoted to their stories. The central characters of these stories is of course Fionn Mac Cumhaill, his poet son, Ossian, Swift Caolte, noble Oscar and the Rigfennidhfianna's famous hounds, Bran and Sceolan who according to tradition can still be heard baying while chasing game near the ancient home of Dun Allen.

It appears that the Fianna were foot soldiers, which would correspond to the belief that they were young men who had not yet received an inheritance and therefore would own little real property. Their preferred weapons were spears and shields. To our knowledge, they did not ride horses or use chariots.

The Modern Fennidh

The path of the modern Fennidh is a way of living in the modern age in harmony with the beliefs and customs of our ancient ancestors. In today’s modern world, it is often not feasible or realistic for a person to give up the world and live freely in the woodlands of their native country. This does not mean that the way of the Fennidh is dead. The spirit of the path lives on in the descendants of those ancient warriors.

What sets the individual on the path? It is hard to describe but perhaps it can be explained as something deep inside that begins to stir. For me, it felt like an ember within my heart that began to glow with the heat of a thousand generations. Soon that ember was transformed into a fierce desire to learn of the old ways.

Self realization is the key to the gate that opens to the path. You must begin first and foremost by acknowledging that you are a Fennidh. The path is a way of life. Whether by blood ancestry or a desire to embrace the culture, you must think of yourself as a warrior. You acknowledge that you have a greater calling than the everyday ebb and flow of our modern society. A popular quote in this day and age is, “You are what you think” and until you think of yourself as a Fennidh, you will never be of the Fennidh. You must embrace it and it must become an inseparable part of you. Think, feel and act like a Fennidh.

Once you have acknowledged that you are of the Fennidh, you must start to develop the attributes of the ancient Fennidh Warrior. This is a lifelong quest and integral part of the journey along the path.

The path of the Fennidh is not one of vanity. You must put away your desires to be seen and accepted by all and turn yourself inward. Develop in yourself those attributes that the myths and legends of the Fianna teach us were part of the Fianna Ethos. A desire for Strength in your arms, Truth on your tongues and Honor in your hearts should be a daily goal.

You must study the old ways and skills not just to learn a new way of fighting, but to hone your Fennidh spirit. Take what you have from the modern world and incorporate it into your study and training. Merge the two worlds together. You are the link between the past and the future.

The Prime Tales

The Fennidh Way

Fianaigecht: Following the Forest Path