Fionn's Thumb of Knowledge

The young Fionn mac Cumhaill was sent to the banks of the River Boyne to study under the wise poet Finnegas. For seven long years, Finnegas had sought the Salmon of Knowledge, a mythical creature that had eaten nine hazelnuts from the Tree of Knowledge. Legend said that whoever first tasted its flesh would gain all the wisdom in the world. One afternoon, Finnegas finally caught the great silver fish and entrusted Fionn with cooking it, strictly warning the boy not to eat a single morsel. As the salmon sizzled over the fire, a blister of hot fat popped and burned Fionn’s thumb. Instinctively, he thrust his thumb into his mouth to soothe the pain. When he brought the meal to his master, Finnegas saw a new, divine light in the boy's eyes and knew the prophecy had been fulfilled. The poet realized the gift was meant for Fionn, not himself. From that day on, whenever Fionn needed to solve a problem or see the future, he had only to suck his thumb to unlock the world's hidden secrets.