According to legend, the salmon obtained all of the world’s wisdom when it consumed nine hazelnuts that had fallen into the Well of Wisdom. The first individual to consume the fish would then acquire this information.
Because the poet Finegas was so driven to possess this information, he spent seven years living close to the River Boyne salmon fishing. Fionn mac Cumhaill, a young warrior, moved in with Finegas. The legend of the Salmon of Knowledge was unknown to Fionn, and one day Finegas succeeded in catching the enigmatic fish. He recognized it as the special one because its body sparkled like silver. Fionn received the fish from Finegas with the explicit directive not to consume it.
Cooking the fish was Fionn’s responsibility, but he burned his thumb in the process. Fionn licked his thumb to relieve the ache without thinking. Finegas noticed the knowledge in Fionn’s eyes as soon as he brought the fish to his master. When the young warrior replied that he had only licked his finger after asking if he had eaten any of the fish, Finegas realized that the knowledge was now Fionn’s.
Fionn could access the knowledge for the rest of his life by merely chewing his thumb. Fionn went on to lead the Fianna and become one of the most notorious figures in Irish history.
This 100% Irish-made piece of jewelry is rich in history and folklore, a real conversation starter with beautiful design.