Salmon of Knowledge

10.5 × 4.5 cm

A little fish with a rather extraordinary story to tell!

Our Salmon of Knowledge is a playful little decoration rooted in Irish storytelling, inspired by one of Ireland's best-loved ancient legends and a rather familiar Belfast landmark.

According to Irish mythology, the Salmon of Knowledge lived in the Pool of Wisdom on the River Boyne, having acquired all the knowledge of the world from magical hazelnuts that fell into the water. For years, a poet and teacher named Finegas tried to catch this extraordinary fish, believing that whoever tasted it first would gain its wisdom.

When he finally succeeded, he asked his young student, Fionn mac Cumhaill, to cook the salmon. But while tending the fire, Fionn accidentally burnt his thumb and instinctively put it into his mouth to soothe the pain. In that moment, he acquired the wisdom his teacher had sought for so long, and so began the many legends of the boy who would become the celebrated leader of the Fianna.

The story has a rather special place in our family too, as my son Finn is named after the legendary Fionn mac Cumhaill, better known as Finn McCool. So perhaps this little Salmon of Knowledge was always destined to find its way into my collection!

Variations of this wonderful tale appear in some of the earliest Irish and Scottish traditions, passed down through generations and no doubt told around countless firesides.

Many centuries later, the story inspired Belfast's famous Big Fish sculpture by artist John Kindness, installed in 1999 at Donegall Quay beside the River Lagan. Its beautiful blue scales are formed from a mosaic of ceramic tiles, each depicting scenes and stories from Belfast's history. It has become one of the city's most recognisable landmarks.

I have a rather wonderful photograph of my university friend Nicole and me perched on top of the Big Fish some 23 years ago! When I passed it more recently, I spotted a sign asking visitors not to climb on the sculpture. Whether that sign was there back in our student days, I couldn't possibly say! Perhaps we were simply too busy enjoying the view to notice.

It was this familiar Belfast landmark, together with the ancient folklore behind it, that inspired my own little big Irish Linen interpretation. Handmade with delicate metallic embroidery and embellishments, our Salmon of Knowledge celebrates the magic of Irish storytelling rather than attempting to recreate the sculpture itself.

A charming keepsake for lovers of Irish mythology, folklore and unusual little treasures. And perhaps a particularly thoughtful gift for someone embarking on their studies, graduating or simply in need of a little extra wisdom!

Our Irish Linen

Our luxury artisan decorations are handcrafted from beautiful Irish Linen, thoughtfully sourced from a mixture of vintage fabrics, local mill deadstock, repurposed antique tablecloths and offcuts from our own cushion making. We also work with a small number of wonderful Irish linen mills, including one of the last remaining linen mills still active in Ireland today, carefully selecting fabrics for their colour, texture and character.