My latest Celtic art piece.
‘The Salmon of Knowledge’
In Irish tradition, the salmon represents wisdom, inspiration and knowledge gained through experience. Unlike many modern “Celtic meanings,” this association can be traced to a surviving medieval story about Fionn mac Cumhaill.
The traditional story
As a young man, Fionn studied poetry with Finnéces, who had watched the River Boyne for seven years awaiting a magical salmon. It was foretold that whoever ate the fish would gain extraordinary knowledge.
Finnéces finally caught it and instructed Fionn to cook it without eating any. While cooking, Fionn burned his thumb on the fish and placed it in his mouth. Realising that the prophecy had chosen Fionn, Finnéces allowed him to eat the salmon. Thereafter, Fionn could obtain hidden knowledge by placing his thumb in his mouth.
Acrylic painting on canvas 305mm in diameter
The Salmon of Knowledge
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