According to Irish mythology, the first thing to come into existence was the hazel tree – whose nuts contained all the knowledge in the world. The hazel tree stood on the edge of the well of wisdom, into which fell 9 hazelnuts. A speckled salmon who lived in the well ate the nuts, thereby gaining all the knowledge in the world. The story then goes on to describe how the hero Fionn mac Cumhaill, in turn, attained all the knowledge in the world. However, it is the imagery of the well, the salmon, and the hazel tree that I love the most, as well as the tantalising prospect of “all the knowledge in the world” being attainable.
I have been thinking about this beautiful Irish myth a lot recently, as I begin the journey of my masters. I doubt I will attain all the knowledge in the world, but I am stood at the edge of a well of wisdom, and its crisp, clear waters are mine for the drinking.
Title: Panchantantra saying
Image: An bradán feasa – acrylic on paper 2022
bexODESSA 