Irish Mythology consists of many stories and beliefs originating from Ireland. Ireland is an old country with much history, which includes these myths, which have been passed down from generation to generation. These two Irish myths have a special place in the beliefs of people in Ireland and Scotland.
First up is the story of the giant Finn McCool, a prominent character in Irish mythology said to have formed “Giant’s Causeway,” a significant landmark. The story goes that Fionn was outraged at a Scottish giant, Benandonner also known as Fingal, who claimed Ireland as his own even though Fionn had been in control for the longest time. In his anger, he threw boulders into the sea, and then was struck with the idea to build a raised road, also known as a causeway, from Ireland to Scotland to reach, and challenge, Benandonner. Fionn then realized that he could not defeat Benandonner with brute force, as he was much larger and more powerful than Fionn. Instead, Fionn decided to outsmart Benandonner by pretending to be Fionn’s son. Benandonner decided to go back to Scotland after realizing that if the son of his potential opponent was that big, then Fionn must be huge. Benandonner left in a hurry after his realization and destroyed the Causeway, severing the connection between Ireland and Scotland in the process.
This is the myth behind Giant’s Causeway, a prominent landmark in Ireland that has been there for millions of years. Scientists now believe the causeway was formed by a volcanic explosion from up to 60 million years ago.
The story’s hero, Finn McCool, also known as Fionn Mac Cumhail, does not only have this story to his name, but it is one of his many victories as a mythological hero. There is so much more to learn about how he came to be and what his story is, for more information, go to Lurgan Ancestry.
The second myth is commonly told to young school children and is Ireland’s form of Romeo and Juliet. This myth is “The Pursuit of Diarmuid and Grainne.” Grainne was a beautiful maiden who was the daughter of the King of Ireland and was set to get married to Fionn Mac Cumhaill, a great warrior. It was not until the night of their celebratory feast that problems started.
At the feast was one of her fiance’s great warriors, Diarmuid, who was Fionn’s nephew as well. Grainne saw Diarmuid and immediately fell in love, but she could not express her feelings to everyone around. Grainne decided to drug everyone at the party to talk to her newfound love. When they finally were able to talk, Grainne tried to convince him to run away with her. At first, Diarmuid refused, being loyal to his relationship with Fionn but after a persistent Grainne pushed him to agree, they ran away together.
Furious at the disloyalty of the couple, Fionn decided to chase after them to kill them. Diarmuid and Grainne ran all around Ireland until a dreadful winter came and they needed to find shelter to survive. This is when they encounter a giant boar, the only living creature that can harm him. While Diarmuid did defeat the boar, he got injured and was quickly dying. Fionn eventually found the couple with Diarmuid in a reclining position. Fionn is said to have healing powers from a past adventure, meaning he could heal anyone who drank water out of his hands. It took much convincing from his companions, his run-away wife and his son, to finally decide to help his past comrade, however by the time he does, Diarmuid has died. For a more in-depth explanation of this tragedy, go to The Irish Road Trip.
Both these stories are crucial parts of the historical myths of Ireland, but they are not the only parts of the lifetimes of mythological characters such as Finn McCool. Every story is connected and is part of every area in Ireland. For more information about the adventures of Finn McCool and other characters special to generations of those living in Ireland, go to The Irish Road Trip.