Sinanna

Sinanna, also known as Sinann, is a figure from Irish mythology. She is most prominently associated with the River Shannon, the longest river in Ireland. The mythological accounts describe Sinann as a granddaughter of the sea god Manannán mac Lir.

According to the tale, Sinann embarked on a quest to find the Well of Segais, a legendary source of wisdom. This well was guarded by magical salmon, which, by consuming them, would bestow knowledge and inspiration. However, the well was also protected by a magical spring that would drown anyone who approached it with impure intentions or without proper respect.

Sinann, driven by a desire for knowledge, sought out the well. Despite warnings, she approached it. The magical spring surged, and she was overwhelmed by the waters, ultimately becoming identified with the river that flowed from the well. This myth explains the origin of the River Shannon and its association with ancient wisdom and knowledge. Sinann's story is a classic example of a mythological etiology, explaining the natural world through the actions of supernatural beings.