The stories of the Gods and heroes in Irish Mythology are fantastical.  The most famous one of all is that of Fionn Mac Cumhaill who gained his wisdom from tasting “The Salmon of Knowledge”.  Finegas has been trying in vain for many years to catch the Salmon of Knowledge.  He eventually captured the fish in the pool of Linn Feic on the River Boyne, and gave it to Fionn to cook for him.  On pain of death Fionn was not allowed to eat the salmon, however while he was roasting it he accidentally burned his thumb, and without thinking sucked it to ease his pain, and in this way gained all the knowledge, which he had been seeking in the first place.  Finegas then dismissed Fionn as he was not able to teach him anymore.