Sunday 3 October 2021

THE GIANT OF ST MICHAEL'S MOUNT by Sharon Tregenza


 THE GIANT OF ST MICHAEL'S MOUNT  





I've recently been doing a lot of research on the myths and legends of Cornwall and have unearthed many of the stories I heard when I was growing up.

If you've been to Cornwall (or even if you haven't) you've probably heard of St Michael's Mount - the historic castle, and island off the coast of Marazion.

Legend has it that St Michael's Mount was built as a home for the giant Cormoran and his wife Cormelian who lived in the forest that is now submerged below Mounts Bay. He wasn't the best of giants and when he wasn't chucking rocks at other giants he was terrorising the neighbourhood and stealing livestock.



Enter Jack the Giant Killer. He soon put a stop to Cormoran's nasty tricks by luring him into an enormous pit then rushing out and beheading the reprobate. 




There's still a bit of Cormoran left though. Set in the cobbled path leading up to the castle is his stone heart. When we were kids we were told that if you place your right hand on the stone, and your left on your chest, you can feel the giant's heart beat. It's true. You can. 😁







When the tide's out you can walk across the causeway to where the giant once lived. Or you can take a boat to where myth meets modern day and visit the fairy-tale castle and mingle with the close knit island community.




I've started digging into the story of the Giants of Castle Treen now. Stolen babies, witches and wild storms. Should be good.


Email: sharontregenza@gmail.com

www.sharontregenza.com






4 comments:

Penny Dolan said...

Love the idea & image and stories of St Michaels' Mount but always fear that the distant dream might be tarnished by reality. A long time since I last visited, worrying about young children's legs and the watery causeway.

Sue Purkiss said...

Lovely! This makes me want to go there...

Lynne Benton said...

Lovely, Sharon. Thank you!

Sharon Tregenza said...

Hi all, do visit St Michael's Mount if you get the chance. It's a special place. :)