MYC607 Salmon Of Knowledge

Finnegas (also known as Finn Eces) is a legendary poet, sage, and druid in Irish Celtic mythology famous for his seven years quest to catch the magical Salmon of Knowledge (An Bradán Feasa) in the River Boyne. A mystical salmon lived in a sacred pool shaded by hazel trees. The fish ate fallen hazelnuts and gained all the wisdom of the world. A prophecy stated that the first person to catch and eat the salmon would receive all its wisdom.A young boy named Deimne—later known as Fionn mac Cumhaill—came to live with Finnegas as his apprentice. Finnegas finally caught the great salmon and told Fionn to cook it, strictly warning him not to eat any of it, but while, Fionn burned his thumb on a hot blister forming on the fish's skin. He instinctively popped the blister and put his burned thumb into his mouth to ease the pain, accidentally tasting the fish. When Fionn brought the meal to his master, Finnegas saw a profound new light of wisdom in the boy's eyes. Fionn confessed to accidentally burning and tasting his thumb. Realizing the true prophecy meant the wisdom was meant for the boy (whose real name was Fionn), Finnegas generously let him eat the rest of the fish.From that moment on, whenever Fionn placed his thumb in his mouth, he could access supreme wisdom, inspiration, and foresight, which helped him grow into the legendary leader of the Fianna.