The Salmon of Knowledge: An Ancient Irish Tale Reimagined in Jewellery.

One-of-a-kind design. Timeless Irish myth. Exclusive showcase at Fota House.

Ireland’s folklore is rich with wisdom, mystery, and a deep-rooted connection to nature, and few stories capture that essence more than the legend of An Bradán Feasa, the Salmon of Knowledge. At Jenti Forest Jewellery, stories like this live on, transformed into bespoke, meaningful jewellery. This June, I’m proud to unveil a one-of-a-kind piece inspired by this very legend, exclusively at the Fota House Showcase, part of Cork Craft Month 2025 in celebration of Cork Craft and Designs' 20th anniversary.

A Story Carved by Time and Spirit

Long ago, nine hazelnuts said to hold all the knowledge of the world fell into the sacred Well of Wisdom, guarded by nine ancient hazel trees. A single salmon swam beneath the surface and consumed them, absorbing their deep, ancient wisdom. For seven years, the poet Finegas sought to catch this salmon, knowing that whoever first tasted its flesh would inherit all the knowledge of the world.

But fate, as it often does in Irish mythology, had other plans. When the young warrior Fionn mac Cumhaill accidentally burned his thumb on the fish’s cooking fat and instinctively placed it in his mouth, he unknowingly consumed the drop of wisdom, changing his destiny forever. From that moment on, Fionn could access the world’s knowledge simply by biting his thumb.

Read the full tale here

The Jewellery: Wisdom in Metal and Myth

Inspired by this powerful tale, I have created a limited-edition jewellery piece that embodies the wisdom, transformation, and magic of the story. It's a combination of fine silver, 24k gold plating, blue moonstone, and green tourmaline beads.

Each detail is carefully handcrafted in my County Cork studio, echoing both the ancient roots of Irish folklore and the natural world that inspires everything I create. It is a talisman for seekers, dreamers, and lovers of stories.

This unique design will be on public display for the first time at the Fota House Exhibition, a setting as rich in history as the myth itself.

Fota House Showcase: Where History Meets Creativity

Set within the enchanting surroundings of Fota House and Gardens, this upcoming exhibition offers an inspiring blend of heritage, design, and contemporary craftsmanship. It’s a perfect place for storytellers and collectors to come together and to experience the depth of artistry that modern Irish makers have to offer.

At Jenti Forest Jewellery, every creation has a voice, and this piece, born of ancient myth, speaks volumes.

Let the Salmon Speak to You

If you’re drawn to pieces that hold meaning, memory, and myth, join us at Fota House. Experience the story of the Salmon of Knowledge reimagined in precious metal. This is more than jewellery. The Salmon of Knowledge one-of-a-kind design is a link to Ireland’s past and to your own inner wisdom.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the story behind the Salmon of Knowledge jewellery piece?

This one-of-a-kind design is inspired by the Irish legend of the Salmon of Knowledge, a mythical fish that granted all the wisdom of the world to Fionn mac Cumhaill. The piece embodies themes of transformation, wisdom, and Celtic heritage.

2. Is the Salmon of Knowledge jewellery available for purchase?

This limited-edition original piece will be exhibited exclusively at Fota House. Availability will depend on expressions of interest at the exhibition, with viewings and enquiries handled on-site.

3. Where can I view the jewellery in person?

You can see the jewellery on display at the Fota House Jewellery Showcase in County Cork. Please check the exhibition schedule for exact dates and times.

4. Is the piece made from sustainable or locally sourced materials?

Yes, at Jenti Forest Jewellery, sustainability and ethical craftsmanship are core values. Each element of this limited-edition original piece is handcrafted using responsibly sourced metals and designed in my County Cork studio.

5. Can I commission a similar custom piece based on Irish myths?

Absolutely. While this piece is unique, I regularly take on bespoke commissions rooted in Celtic folklore and personal stories. Get in touch to begin the design process for your own symbolic piece.

The Legend of the Salmon of Knowledge – Full Tale

An Extended Retelling of an Iconic Irish Myth

Long ago, in the mists of ancient Ireland, there stood a sacred well known as An Tobar Segais, the Well of Wisdom. It was hidden deep in the forest of the otherworld, surrounded by nine ancient hazel trees. These trees were not ordinary. Their roots reached into the depths of the Earth, their branches tangled in mysteries, and once a year, they bore fruit: the nuts of divine knowledge.

When the hazelnuts fell into the sacred waters, they were consumed by a single fish, the Salmon of Knowledge, a magical creature unlike any other. This salmon absorbed all the wisdom of the world from the nuts, its scales glinting with ancient secrets, its eyes deep as time. It was said that whoever caught and ate the salmon would instantly possess all the wisdom and understanding known to mankind.

For many years, the great poet and sage Finn Éces (also known as Finegas) sought the legendary salmon. A master of lore and seeker of truth, Finn Éces spent seven long years beside the River Boyne, casting his line day after day, yearning to catch the fabled fish and unlock the mysteries of the world.

At last, after tireless waiting, the salmon took his bait. Finn Éces hauled the shimmering, powerful creature from the water and knew at once that this was indeed the Salmon of Knowledge. Overcome with excitement but also reverence, he asked his young apprentice, Fionn mac Cumhaill, to cook the salmon for him.

Fionn, the son of the mighty warrior Cumhaill, had been sent to study under Finn Éces. The boy was quiet, watchful, and deeply clever, though he did not yet know it. As he turned the fish over the fire, Fionn followed the poet’s strict instruction: he must not eat any part of the fish, but fate had its own design.

As the salmon sizzled over the flame, a blister of hot fat burst onto Fionn’s thumb. Reflexively, the boy raised his thumb to his mouth to soothe the burn. In that moment, a single drop of the salmon’s sacred essence passed his lips.

When he presented the cooked fish to Finn Éces, the poet looked into the boy’s eyes and gasped. There was something new there: a light, a depth, a flame of wisdom that had not been present before.

“Have you tasted the salmon?” he asked.

“No,” Fionn replied honestly, “but I burnt my thumb and put it in my mouth.”

Finn Éces sat in silence for a long moment. Then, with the acceptance of a true seeker of truth, he passed the entire salmon to Fionn and bade him eat it all. He knew then that it was Fionn, not he, who had been destined to receive the gift of wisdom.

And so Fionn mac Cumhaill became the most revered hero in Irish mythology, leader of the legendary band of warriors known as the Fianna. Throughout his life, whenever Fionn sought insight or truth, he needed only to place his thumb in his mouth to summon the boundless wisdom of the Salmon of Knowledge.

A Legacy Reimagined in Silver and Stone

This extraordinary tale has been lovingly channelled into this limited-edition piece, handcrafted by Jenti Forest Jewellery, to honour the mystical lore of Ireland and its deep connection to nature, fate, and ancient wisdom. Just as Fionn carried the gift of insight, this unique Salmon of Knowledge jewellery design is a wearable story, crafted for the modern seeker.