Editing Irish mythology (section)

=== Heroes ===
Heroes in Irish mythology can be found in two distinct groups. There is the lawful hero who exists within the boundaries of the community, protecting their people from outsiders.<ref name=Nagy-1985/> Within the kin-group or ''[[tuath]]'', heroes are human and gods are not.<ref name=HGT-1949-rvw/>

The [[Fianna]] warrior bands are seen as outsiders, connected with the wilderness, youth, and liminal states.<ref name=Nagy-1985/> Their leader was called Fionn mac Cumhaill, and the first stories of him are told in fourth century. They are considered aristocrats and outsiders who protect the community from other outsiders; though they may winter with a settled community, they spend the summers living wild, training adolescents and providing a space for war-damaged veterans. The time of vagrancy for these youths is designated as a transition in life post puberty but pre-manhood. Manhood being identified as owning or inheriting property. They live under the authority of their own leaders, or may be somewhat anarchic, and may follow other deities or spirits than the settled communities.<ref name=Nagy-1985/><ref name=HGT-1949-rvw/>

The church refused to recognize this group as an institution and referred to them as "sons of death".<ref name=":0" />