While the legendary Rabbi Yisrael Meir Kagan wrote on ‘Lashon Ha Ra’ or ‘The Evil Tongue’ and its myriad dire effects, a stone atop an Irish castle, according to lore, blesses people with the converse.
A short drive from the vibrant city of Cork in southern Ireland, verdant wonders embrace you. In tranquil environs stands the towering medieval Blarney Castle, where hoards of international tourists come each year for more than just a rendezvous with Ireland’s intriguing history.
Like in any place of pilgrimage, serpentine queues choke the entrance of the castle. Ireland is known to be the land of legends and myths, it is believed that kissing a stone atop the castle blesses kissers with the gift of the gab and the art of eloquence. A breathtaking climb up the castle’s claustrophobic spiral stairway brings you to its non-descript zenith.
Kissing the blarney stone at Blarney Castle in Ireland by Krishnaraj Iyengar
A hardy old Irish gent perched on the floor helps you lie down, pushes you back as your head almost hangs down from a gap in the floor. Then, you hold two wrought iron bars and kiss a not-so mystical looking patch of stone below the parapet. Having risked acrophobia attacks, triumph gleams on the faces of pilgrims thereafter, as the queue begins to thin.
Stressed lawyer
History has it that Cormac Laidir McCarthy, the builder of the castle, was involved in a stressful lawsuit back in the 15th century and appealed to the goddess Clíodhna for help.
It is said that she directed him to kiss the first stone he found in the morning on his way to court, and after doing so, he pleaded his case with utmost eloquence and won. While the word ‘Blarney’ signifies ‘clever, coaxing, flattering talk,’ the Blarney Stone is synonymous with ‘the ability to deceive without offending’.
Blarney castle in Ireland by Krishnaraj iyengar
McCarthy, the ‘Lord of Muscry’ was a descendant of the Muskerry dynasty of the Kings of Desmond. The castle, dating back to before 1200, was destroyed in 1446 but supposedly rebuilt by him. It is said to have been sold and changed many hands after several historic wars.
Although the theory calls for much debate, silver screen legends, statesmen and literary giants are said to have performed the ‘pilgrimage of eloquence’ and kissed the famed Blarney Stone. “Once upon a time, visitors had to be held by the ankles and lowered head first to perform the sought-after ritual. Today, it’s a lot safer,” says Joanna White, an American visitor seeking her Irish roots.
Although many are skeptical about kissing the stone due to hygiene reasons, and some are afraid of the semi-acrobatic postures required to reach it, most people go through the gruelling exercise of getting atop the castle just for a panoramic view of its surroundings. “It may not fascinate a rationalist to know that I feel a lot more verbally powerful, especially during arguments with my husband,” laughs White on her second visit to the castle.
Among the many stories that revolve round the historic stone, is that of it being Prophet Jacob’s pillow brought to Ireland by Prophet Jeremiah. Some say it was a stone that gushed water when struck by Moses. The Irish however believe that a witch saved from drowning, revealed its power to the McCarthy family.
The Blarney gardens surrounding the castle are yet another charming wonder with a poison garden, Himalayan walk, bog garden, fern garden and ice house.
Blarney Castle garden by Krishnaraj Iyengar
