Every ancient tale has truth at its heart," I said. "That's what I've always believed, anyway. But after years and years of retelling, the shape of those old stories changes. What may once have been simple and easily recognized becomes strange, wondrous and magical. Those are only the trappings of the story. The truth lies beneath those fantastic garments

- Juliet Marillier, Tower of Thorns

We are stories. The fabric of our being is woven by threads - each thread, a story.  Your world is shaped by the stories you choose to tell yourself. The Myth of the Giant's Causeway is one such story. It is a space filled with mysterious possibility, the air and rocks are ancient and hold some of the best secrets, their rugged symmetry inspire the imagination. Imagine what they have seen! One of the best stories we heard was on a wind swept, blackened beach - waves pounding on the curiously shaped rocks- where, if you closed your eyes and listened - you could hear echoes of giants provoking one another on the wind.

There are many versions of this story, this is the one that was told to us on the steps of Finn's home. It is said that Mac Cumhaill - or Finn McCool once lived on the ragged edge of Ireland in the County Antrim and often was at odds with Scottish giant named Benandonner or Red Man. It is embedded within local lore that these two colossus often found themselves at odds. And one day the result of their rivalry was born - the Giant's Causeway.

Finn, crafty and quick, Brenandonner - the bigger and stronger - one day found themselves hurling insults at one another across the sea of Moyle - challenging each other to a test of strength. Finn is struck with an idea and immediately begins digging and heaving rocks born from the bowls of Antrim coast, building a pathway across the sea. He will see the end of Brenandonner! Finn reaches Scotland and to his surprise he discovers how pathetically unmatched he is and high tails it back to Ireland. In his haste one of his boots becomes lodged in the rocks, where it remains to this day.

Knowing this is a fight he cannot win - Finn turns to his wife Oonagh, who specializes in getting Finn out of many a disconcerting situation. Thinking on her feet, Oonagh quickly wraps Finn in a sheet and tucks him into a giant bathtub - just in the nick of time as Brenandonner is banging on the door demanding to be let in! Oonagh, unflappable and poised- lets him in. Nonchalantly, Oonagh shows him around the house - the perfect hostess. A hostess must share her food with any weary traveller, so Oonagh whips up a gridle cake with the iron skillet baked within, coupled with a piece of hard fat nailed to red timber. Losing teeth in the effort to eat such a meal, it dawns upon Brenandonner that he may have bitten off more than he can chew. Upon leaving, Oonagh exclaims he must meet the new baby - who is in fact Finn. When Brennadonner sees the new giant baby - he makes the logical assumption that if the baby is that size - he does not want to meet the baby's father. Brenandonner quickly flees, tail tucked between his legs, destroying the causeway in his haste.

And that is how the Giant's Causeway came to be.

Or.

Sixty million years ago Antrim was subjected to unbridled volcanic violence - forcing molten rock through fissures, creating an impressive lava plateau. Three subsequent volcanic movements coupled with the rapid cooling of lava contracting created the columnar structures we see today.

I think I will stick with Finn McCool. Which story will you choose.