The Salmon of Knowledge

So the legend goes… In the still waters of the River Boyne, beneath the shade of nine ancient hazel trees, lay a deep pool where wisdom itself gathered. As the hazelnuts fell into the water, a single salmon feasted on them, and in doing so became the keeper of all knowledge. For seven years, the poet Finegas tried to catch the salmon and, at last, he did. But when his young apprentice Fionn cooked the salmon for him, a drop of its oil burned his thumb. Instinctively, Fionn put his thumb to his mouth — and from that moment, the salmon’s wisdom became his own, guiding him to greatness. Fionn went on to become one of the greatest characters of the Celtic legends…