The Salmon of Knowledge (in Irish, An Bradán Feasa) is a creature from the Fenian Cycle of Irish Mythology.
What is the Irish word for salmon?
English–Irish Dictionary (de Bhaldraithe): Salmon. salmon. 1 s. Bradán m .
Who licked the salmon of knowledge?
Fionn ate the salmon and in so doing gained all the knowledge of the world. Throughout the rest of his life, Fionn could draw upon this knowledge merely by biting his thumb.
What is the legend of the salmon?
The Celts associated the salmon with wisdom . In Irish myth the salmon of knowledge swam in the Well of Segais, and ate the magical hazel nuts that fell into the water. There was a prophecy that Finegas would catch and eat it, thereby gaining all knowledge. ... The salmon was admired for its power as well as its wisdom.
Where did Fionn Mac Cumhaill find the salmon of knowledge?
‘ Fionn asked him. This was a question that Finnegas had asked once too and was the very reason why he now lived next to the river Boyne. It had been told by the druids of old that living in a still, dark pool in the shade of the overhanging hazel trees was the Salmon of Knowledge.
Is the Salmon of Knowledge a legend?
The Salmon of Knowledge (in Irish, An Bradán Feasa) is a creature from the Fenian Cycle of Irish Mythology . According to Irish mythology the first thing to ever come into creation was a hazel tree, and in it’s branches was contained all the knowledge of the universe.
What is the theme of the Salmon of Knowledge?
The theme of renewal, regeneration, and the passing of ancient wisdom shines through the narrative. But there are other variants of the story of the Salmon of Knowledge.
What is Irish for trout?
The brown trout (Salmo trutta) or Breac Donn (Gaelic) is a native Irish species and the most widely distributed freshwater fish in Ireland. It thrives in waters of all types, from small mountain streams to broad limestone rivers and loughs. It’s main requirements are clean water and gravel in which to spawn.
What does the Salmon of Knowledge look like?
In the river Boyne there was a magic fish called the Salmon of Knowledge. It was said that the first person to taste its flesh would be wiser than all other men. ... It was a beautiful fish and its body shone like silver. Finegas immediately knew he had caught the salmon of knowledge.
When did the Salmon of Knowledge happen?
The text is dated from linguistic evidence to the 12th century .
What river was the Salmon of Knowledge?
‘ Is there a way to know everything?’ Fionn asked him. This was a question that Finnegas had asked once too and was the very reason why he now lived next to the river Boyne . It had been told by the druids of old that living in a still, dark pool in the shade of the overhanging hazel trees was the Salmon of Knowledge.
Who was Setanta?
Setanta was the nephew of King Conor of Ulster , son of his sister Dechtire, and it is said that his father was the sky god Lugh. The hero-to-be was brought up by King Conor himself, at Emain Macha, (Armagh) and while he was still a child his fame spread all over Ireland, thanks to his prowess as a boy warrior.
What is the story of the Giants Causeway?
Local legend tells the story of the giant, Finn McCool, (also known as Fionn mac Cumhaill) who is said to have had a fight with a Scottish fellow, named Benandonner, across the sea. The rabid Finn grabbed huge rocks and hurled them into the water, forming a trail of stepping stones .
When did the Fenian Cycle take place?
An elite volunteer corps of warriors and huntsmen, skilled in poetry, the Fianna flourished under the reign of Cormac mac Airt in the 3rd century ad . The long-established Fenian lore attained greatest popularity about 1200, when the cycle’s outstanding story, The Interrogation of the Old Men, was written down.
What has Fionn learned from Finnegas?
Fionn learned much from Finnegas and in return for all that he learnt he would clean the house and cook for the old man . Finnegas was happy for the company that Fionn provided him but sometimes he could not answer all of the questions that the inquisitive young boy had.
What is the story of Finn McCool?
As legend has it, Northern Ireland was once home to a giant named Finn McCool (also called Fionn Mac Cumhaill). When another giant – Benandonner, across the Irish Sea in Scotland – threatened Ireland, Finn retaliated by tearing up great chunks of the Antrim coastline and hurling them into the sea .
