Why the Atlantic Salmon’s Journey is one of Nature’s Greatest Stories
How Salmon have Shaped our History and Culture
Scotland’s Most Iconic Fish
For thousands of years, wild Atlantic salmon have shaped the lives of people as they take their journey to and from their breeding grounds. Known as The King of Fish, this amazing creature is woven into a web of myth and culture in Scotland and beyond.
Leaping Atlantic Salmon
The word salmon comes from the Latin word, salire - to leap. Wild Atlantic salmon is revered for it’s power and wisdom and it is quite a sight to see this mighty fish propel itself, like a dart, up and over some of the fastest flowing rivers in Scotland.
Linked to Livelihoods and Community
Wild Atlantic salmon supports a huge number of livelihoods both directly and indirectly. Since the age of hunter-gatherers, wild atlantic salmon have been a vital resource to humans for food, economy and culture. Sustained by nature for millions of years, this is now under threat.
Wild Atlantic Salmon is intrinsically woven into our Folklore and Culture
Surrounded by a rich web of folklore and culture, both in Scotland and beyond, the Atlantic salmon has inspired myths and legends through the ages. Kentigern, known as Saint Mungo, was an apostle of the Scottish Kingdom of Strathclyde in the late sixth century and was the founder and patron saint of Glasgow. A salmon appears prominently on the city’s coat of arms as acknowledgement of one of his four miracles. Queen Languoreth of Strathclyde was suspected of infidelity by her husband, King Riderch. He demanded to see her ring, a gift from him, and accused her of giving it to her lover. In reality, he had thrown it into the River Clyde. Faced with execution, in desperation, she appealed for help from Mungo who ordered one of his monks to catch a salmon in the river. On opening up the salmon, the ring was miraculously found inside and therefore cleared her name.
Loki, the trickster god in Norse mythology tricked the blind god Hod into killing Baldur, the most beloved of all the gods. To escape the other gods, the wily shapeshifter, Loki transformed himself into a little salmon and leapt into a pool. However, Thor was quick enough to catch Loki, who writhed in the war god’s grasp which is why to this day the salmon has a slender tail.
