Oisín

Oisín (Irish pronunciation: [ˈɔʃiːnʲ, ɔˈʃiːnʲ]), also known as Osian, Ossian, or Osheen, is renowned as Ireland's greatest legendary poet and a warrior of the Fianna. As narrator of much of the Fenian Cycle, many poems are attributed to his composition.

His name means "young deer," reflecting his origin story. His mother, Sadhbh, was transformed into a deer by the druid Fear Doirche. Fionn mac Cumhaill captured but spared her, and they settled together until Fear Doirche transformed her again. Seven years later, Fionn discovered his child on Benbulbin.

In his famous adventure, Oisín in Tir na nÓg, he meets Niamh Chinn Óir, daughter of sea god Manannán mac Lir. After marrying her to restore her form from a curse, they return to Tir na nÓg where Oisín becomes king. Their union produces his son Oscar, daughter Plor na mBan, and son Finn.

After what seemed like three years—but was actually 300—Oisín returned to Ireland on Niamh's horse Embarr with a warning: if his feet touched Irish soil, the centuries would catch up with him. When he fell while helping lift a stone, he instantly aged. Before his death, Saint Patrick visited him, and Oisín shared stories of the Fianna.

In "Acallam na Senórach," Oisín and his comrade Caílte mac Rónáin survive to Saint Patrick's time, inspiring Yeats's poem "The Wanderings of Oisin." Different versions show Oisín either defending Druidic faith or converting to Christianity.

His burial site remains disputed between Glenalmond in Scotland and a megalithic court cairn called "Oisín's Grave" in the Nine Glens of Antrim, Northern Ireland.