One simply does not pass the opportunity to visit a place such as the Giant’s Causeway. These rocks have been on my bucket list for a good while. The timing could not have been more perfect and such also was the weather. Well, of course except the part where I completely forgot to put on sunscreen on my face and got burned like a lobster. Always put on sunscreen! Or, take the example from Japanese ladies, who were walking around with parasols. But, hey! Rocks!
When visiting Northern Ireland, the Giant’s Causeway is mentioned as one of the tops must-see places. Where are all the people in these photos since the place is so popular? Peopleless photos in some particular spots were quite a challenge. There were hundreds of people visiting from all around the world. I heard so many languages that day.
What’s so special about these rocks? Let’s have a look!
As you look at these strange, mostly hexagonal shapes you can’t help, but wonder. How is this even possible? According to some science nerds, these shapes were created due to volcanic activity, where liquid basalt escaped the earth’s crust. Columns up to twelve meters high and polygonal shapes were formed during the cooling process of the lava. Around 60 million years ago, you probably wouldn’t want to be anywhere near this superheated, boiling, and violent place, but today it is pretty fascinating to imagine.
The Giant’s Gate
There is another theory other than the one the science nerds have about how this place came to be and it involves some pretty angry giants. Irish one Finn MacCool and Benandonner from Scotland.
Finn wasn’t much of a swimmer so he decided to throw some rocks in the ocean and make a bridge for crossing. So there he went with all his giantess to fight the Benandonner, but it didn’t go so well as he saw Benandonner was more giant giant than himself. Finn ran back home to his wife and they came up with a plan for Finn to pretend to be her baby.
I imagine their exchange was something along the lines of this:
“He is so much bigger than me! What are we going to do?” he cried out loudly.
“Come on, Finn! Don’t be such a baby! Wait...That’s brilliant! Be a baby, Finn!”
When Benandonner saw the giant “baby”, he got scared. If that was the baby, what size the father would be like? He ran back to Scotland destroying the causeway behind him so that no one could cross again.
Moral of the story, if you ever get in trouble with a giant, just pretend to be a baby. No, not really. Also, giant’s are weird and obsessed with their size. Really. This story made me giggle about the nature of giants like a lot. Once again folklore and stories stem from things people back in the old days couldn’t explain or understand how it could have happened, or formed in this case. Sort of a coping mechanism, perhaps?
That’s Finn’s boot. Probably fell off when he ran back home to his wife all scared, ahaha!
The Giant’s Organ
The Chimney Stacks, the vertical basalt column on the upper right corner
Apart from strange, volcanic rocks and stunning cliffs, there was one more beautiful thing I got to witness with my own eyes for the first time. The Atlantic Ocean! I was mesmerized by its vastness and presence. I felt deep respect mixed with a tiny hint of fear and excitement of unstoppable nature forces, and the unknown lurking underneath the seemingly peaceful, deep blue surface. I love it even though it freaks me out at the same time!
That’s it this time! Thank you for reading and for stopping by! You guys rock! Hope you get to see and experience this place one day as well in person. It is worth it!
