Finn MacCool and the Giant’s Causeway – Ireland (Original Version)

Long ago, in the emerald hills and rugged coastlines of Ireland, there lived a legendary giant named Finn MacCool. Finn was known far and wide for his strength and bravery, but he was also admired for his cleverness and kind heart. He lived with his wife, Oonagh, in a cozy house overlooking the sea.

Across the waters, in Scotland, there lived another giant named Benandonner. He was a fierce and formidable giant, and tales of his strength reached Finn’s ears. The stories of Benandonner’s might stirred a sense of rivalry in Finn, and he decided to challenge the Scottish giant to a contest of strength.

To do so, Finn began to build a massive causeway of giant stones across the sea, linking Ireland to Scotland. Day and night, he toiled, lifting and placing the stones with his immense strength. As the causeway neared completion, Finn eagerly anticipated his meeting with Benandonner.

However, as Finn worked, he began to hear tales of Benandonner’s extraordinary size and power. Doubts crept into his mind, and he wondered if he had been too hasty in issuing the challenge. Oonagh, noticing Finn’s anxiety, devised a clever plan to protect her husband.

On the day Benandonner was due to arrive, Oonagh disguised Finn as a baby and tucked him into a large cradle. When Benandonner crossed the causeway and arrived at Finn’s home, he was greeted by Oonagh.

“Welcome, Benandonner,” she said warmly. “Finn is out at the moment, but please, come in and meet our son.”

Benandonner, curious to see the child of such a formidable giant, peered into the cradle. To his astonishment, he saw the “baby” Finn, who appeared enormous even as an infant. The sight filled Benandonner with dread, for if the child was so large, he could only imagine the size and strength of the father.

Fearful of facing such a mighty opponent, Benandonner hurriedly retreated, racing back across the causeway to Scotland, destroying the stones behind him as he went to prevent Finn from following.

With Benandonner gone, Finn emerged from his cradle, and he and Oonagh shared a hearty laugh at the success of their ruse. Finn realized that sometimes cleverness and wit could achieve what strength alone could not.

The remnants of the causeway still stand today, known as the Giant’s Causeway, a natural wonder of interlocking basalt columns that seem to stretch across the sea. Visitors from around the world come to marvel at its beauty and remember the tale of Finn MacCool, the clever giant who outwitted his rival with the help of his resourceful wife.

And so, the legend of Finn MacCool and the Giant’s Causeway lives on, a testament to the power of intelligence and the enduring spirit of Irish folklore.

The End.