It’s impossible to delve into Irish mythological legends without mentioning the story of the Salmon of Knowledge (also known as the Salmon of Wisdom or“bradán feasa” in Gaelic). This famous fish is famous all over Ireland! He’s part of a story that links him closely to Finn McCool‘s mythological hero… A universal legend you absolutely must know!
A salmon – Ryndon Ricks – cc
The story of this famous fish begins in Ireland’s River Boyne. At the time, this salmon was quite ordinary. He lives in a school like the other salmon of his species, and enjoys a perfectly normal life…
Until one hungry day, he stumbles across nine acorns, all fallen from the “tree of knowledge”. As they fall, these acorns end up in the river water, close to the salmon. He decides to eat them…
But what a surprise when he realizes that he’s suddenly put on weight! He ended up doubling, tripling and then quadrupling his size!
But that’s not the only change!
All of a sudden, he feels much smarter, much wiser and much more philosophical! It was as if he’d acquired all the knowledge in the world in an instant!
He owes this feeling to the Tree of Knowledge: by eating its acorns, he has benefited from its blessings! And the results are immediate! He thus became the most intelligent being in the World, far beyond the Men and Women of Ireland!
Soon, word of this famous fish spread throughout the Kingdom of Ireland. Legend has it that whoever eats the fish will benefit from its knowledge.
Many people want to capture him and seize his powers.
Among them is Finegas, a famous poet. He then relentlessly pursued the fish for 7 years… without success.
Until one day, he manages to set a trap and catch him in his net. Proud of himself, he asks his apprentice, Finn McCool, to prepare and cook the salmon for him… and forbids him to taste it!
His apprentice complies obediently. He kills the fish, scales it, empties it and places it on the fire.
But while it’s cooking, Finn McCool puts his thumb on the burning flesh to check if it’s medium rare. He accidentally burns himself and immediately sucks on his finger to soothe the wound. He feels literally transformed: that slight taste contact with the salmon is enough to impart wisdom and intelligence… His eyes shine with a new intensity, and the hero feels like a new man!
However, he keeps this incident quiet, and brings the cooked salmon to Finegas… who immediately realizes that something is amiss.
– Have you tasted the salmon of knowledge? ” he asks him.
– No master. I followed your instructions. I prepared and cooked the fish. Without ever tasting it. underwrites Finn McCool
The poet is doubtful. He thinks Finn is lying. After much questioning, the young apprentice finally breaks down and confesses his misadventure. Disappointed, Finegas hands the salmon over to Finn McCool and invites him to eat it whole and alone.
From then on, Finn McCool possesses extraordinary knowledge. His exceptional intelligence and wisdom would later enable him to become leader of the Fianna, a famous group of warriors defending the King of Ireland.
According to legend, he was also behind the creation of the Giant’s Causeway, a highly popular tourist attraction in the Bushmills area of Northern Ireland! Feats he would surely have been incapable of if he hadn’t tasted the salmon of knowledge!
Since then, contemporary Irish society has maintained a strong attachment to this history. There are numerous monuments and sculptures in honour of salmon and Finn McCool.
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