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Finding Perspective in a Story

Finn McCoul is a mighty Irish giant, perhaps the greatest of all. I happen to think what made Finn great was his wife Oonagh. She was the one who out-smarted Benandonner, the Scottish giant. Finn would have continued to run away from his problem if it hadn’t been for his wife.

 
When I first read Finn’s stories, I was not at all willing to include his stories in my Irish lore collection. None of his adventures resonated with me. Yet when I reread Finn McCoul and the Giant’s Causeway looking for a unique perspective, one that would speak to me, I discovered the strength of Oonagh. When she meets him at the door with her hands on her hips resolved to beat that Scottish giant herself and says, “Do you trust me? Do you love me? Will you do whatever I ask of you, Finn McCoul?”    I knew instantly the perspective from which to tell. I could see the story through the wife’s eyes.
 
Finn McCoul and the Giant’s Causeway (excerpt)
Finn knew Benandonner was on his way to beat him up and knew it was time to tell his wife they were moving again. As he entered the house, there she stood with her hands on her hips ready to take on Benandonner herself if need be. Finn didn’t know who to be more scared of, his wife or the greatest giant in Scotland. He chose well by asking, “What do you want me to do, dear?”
 
At that moment I could imagine the power Oonagh felt. She knew she was smart enough to trick Benandonner and she knew Finn would do whatever she asked of him. She and Finn would live long happy lives due to her quick wit and resolve. With that perspective I could tell a good story.
 
De Paola, Tomie. Fin M’Coul the Giant of Knockmany Hill. New York: Holiday House, 1981.