tdbcelts.org

Hello ,
Im from Dublin .
Im just curious where the name "Faellon" came from ? (one of your members) My brother studied "sean / midhe and nua gaelige" (old middle and modern irish ) and has an MA in Celtic studies from NUI University Maynooth (Eire) There is possibly a connection between his name and my own. If it comes from "Phelan " / Whelan " or Feeney , then he might be interested to know its etymology ?

The name Faellon that I use as my persona name in Tuatha de Bhriain translates to wolf, or little wolf in Gaelic and was the reason that I chose it.

More specifically "wolverine " or "wolfhead" .
I was thinking youd say "seagull"

"Wolfhead " was a term used across Ireland and Britain to describe a member of the Fianna ( "Fian" means wild ). The equivalent in Britain , as told in legend is Robin Hood (+merry men ). He was called "Wolfhead" by his enemies In France they developed into the Ribauds and Routiers . Oisin and Fionn mac Cumhaill would have been "wolfhead" also.

The legends of the Fianna / Oisin etc are romanticised and christianised .
The reality was a bit more messy and HIGHLY violent .

The same thing happens in most early cultures (I wouldnt be suprised if the american indians had a form of it ) Male children were not entitled to their heritage before 21 (or thereabouts). So, just like in modern times they became a bit rebellious , left home and formed into loose gangs with other youngersters. Especially males of noble birth. They'd basically go rampaginging around fighting / pillaging and looking for trouble. Often nobles or kings would send their children into foster care in a different country to prevent it happening (like Cu Chulainns son , and King Clovis in Clonmacnoise) When there was a threat to the country , or any large dispute , theyd be a ready made army. At 21 years of age theyd return home to claim their inheritance.

There were several "petty kings" around the 7th and 8 th century called Faelaen.