Indeed, poetical qualifications were considered essential to obtain a place in the select militia of which he was the last commander.

The courtship of the poet-warrior with the Princess Ailbhe, Cormac's daughter, is related in one of the ancient historic tales called _Tochmarca_, or Courtships.

The lady is said to have been the wisest woman of her time, and the wooing is described in the form of conversations, which savour more of a trial of skill in ability and knowledge, than of the soft utterances which distinguish such narratives in modern days.

It is supposed that the Fenian corps which he commanded was modelled after the fashion of the Roman legions; but its loyalty is more questionable, for it was eventually disbanded for insubordination, although the exploits of its heroes are a favourite topic with the bards.

The Fenian poems, on which Macpherson founded his celebrated forgery, are ascribed to Finn's sons, Oisin and Fergus the Eloquent, and to his kinsman Caeilte, as well as to himself.