Celtic Mythology

In many countries, salmon is known as a repository of otherworldly wisdom and knowledge, especially in Ireland and Wales. In Irish legend, there were two such fish of wisdom, both eaten by Fionn Mac Cumhaill, the legendary leader of the Irish Fianna.

In the better known story of the two, the bard Finneces spent several years trying to catch the fish known as Fintan. He thought his luck was in when he eventually landed the fish, the young Fionn being present. While it was cooking over a fire, Fionn touched the fish with his thumb, which immediately got burned, and so he thrust it into his mouth. Of course, in doing so he received the magical wisdom of the salmon. Finneces hopes were dashed.

The second fish was speared by Fionn when he was older. It was at the Falls of Assaroe by the Ernre. Goll Essa Ruaid was the name given to the fish, literally translated as 'the one eyed fish of Assaroe'.