The Legend of the Giant's Causeway

The Legend of the Giant's Causeway

Long ago, giants lived in the hills of Ireland. The strongest in the land was Finn McCool. He lived with his wife, Oonagh (OO-nuh), on top of Knockmany Hill. Finn was helping build a bridge from Ireland to Scotland. He was almost done when the ground began to shake.

Finn McCool knew why. He ran home as fast as he could. “ Cucullin (koo-KUL-in) is coming from Scotland. I felt his footsteps shake the ground! " he shouted to Oonagh. Cucullin was the strongest giant in Scotland. Once, he had smashed a thunderbolt into a flat, glowing pancake. He still carried it to show off.

Cucullin had fought almost every giant around--all except Finn McCool. " We've got to deal with Cucullin once and for all, " Oonagh said. “ When will he get here?" Finn put his thumb in his mouth. (Thumbs are where giants get their strength. ) " Tomorrow morning, " Finn said.

" We can beat Cucullin if you do exactly as I say, " Oonagh said. She asked Finn to find a pot of cream and three white stones. She cooked the cream into a ball of soft cheese. She set it in a basket with the stones. Next, she sent Finn to borrow a frying pan from every neighbor. She made twenty-one loaves of bread. Inside seven, she hid an iron pan.

Then Oonagh set up a large baby crib and blankets. " I won't sleep in a crib! " Finn shouted. “ Would you rather fight Cucullin?" Oonagh asked. “ No, " muttered Finn. He squeezed into the crib and hid under the blankets.