In ancient times, it was said that a giant named Finn MacCool resides in Ireland. He was not just of towering height but also possessed immense strength and intelligence. One day, while in a bitter feud with a Scottish giant named Benandonner, Finn decided to construct a path to cross the North Channel so the two could meet face to face. This path was none other than the Giant’s Causeway. The story takes an interesting twist when, after his hard work, Finn collapses from exhaustion, and he doesn’t awake until his rival has already begun his approach from Scotland. Finn’s wife, quick-thinking and clever, disguises her husband as a baby and places him in a large cradle. When Benandonner arrives, expecting a fight with a fearsome giant, he’s met instead by the sight of a ‘baby’ of size larger than himself! The sight of such a huge baby makes him wonder about the size of the father and in fear he decides to retreat to Scotland, destroying the causeway on his way to prevent the ‘enormous’ father giant to follow him. Thus ends the tale of Finn MacCool and his clever wife saving the day and preserving peace on their lands. The unique hexagonal columns of the Giant’s Causeway today are said to be the remains of this legendary causeway, a physical testament to this engrossing tale.
The Legend of Finn MacCool and the Giant’s Causeway
Once upon a time, an imposing, dramatic interlocking basalt columns stretching along the coastline near Bushmills were not considered the result of volcanic activity but were credited to the legendary Irish hero and giant Finn MacCool. The Giant’s Causeway in County Antrim, Northern Ireland is not just a natural wonder, it is deeply enveloped in rich and thrilling local folklore. According to legend, Finn MacCool, the esteemed warrior, lived along the Antrim coastline, and from here, he could see his Scottish rival, Benandonner, across the sea. To settle the feud, Finn decided to build a colossal causeway across the North Channel so that they could meet and fight. He worked tirelessly, lifting huge volcanic rocks, creating impressive hexagonal steps, forming a path through the tempestuous sea. However, on seeing the sheer size of Benandonner approaching via the causeway, Finn realised he was outmatched. With the clever intervention of his wife, Finn disguised himself as a baby and hid in a gigantic cradle. As Benandonner arrived, Finn’s wife told him that Finn was not home but insisted he stay quiet not to wake their ‘baby’. Seeing the size of the ‘baby’, Benandonner became fearful thinking that its father, Finn, must be of enormous size. Frightened, he fled home, tearing up the causeway as he went. Today, the magnificent basalt columns standing in perfect hexagonal pillars are a testament to Finn’s might and our enduring love for entwining our landscape with such captivating lore that still excites the wanderer’s spirit.