Black Magic Canyon is a geological wonder located in the southern region of the state of Utah, United States. This natural phenomenon showcases unique rock formations and intricate designs that have been carved over millions of years. The canyon derives its name from the dark and mysterious appearance of the rocks, which give off an eerie and mystical aura. The canyon is located near the small town of Salina and is a hidden gem for nature enthusiasts and photographers alike. The rock formations in the canyon are predominantly sedimentary, consisting of sandstone and shale that have been eroded and sculpted by wind and water over time. What sets Black Magic Canyon apart from other canyons in the area is the incredible variety of shapes and patterns that adorn its walls.
Found the world's oldest rune stone
An ancient Norwegian rune stone is attracting international attention among runic scholars and archaeologists. The inscriptions are up to 2,000 years old and date back to the earliest days of the enigmatic history of runic writing.
Photo: Alexis Pantos/KHM, UiO.
During the first few centuries of the Common Era, during the period that archaeologists call the Roman Iron Age, Scandinavians came into contact with Roman society by trading goods and through their encounters with the Roman army. Archaeological material testifies to the fact that this is how they acquired knowledge about new customs and forms of organisation, and not least a written culture.
Inspired by the classical alphabets, such as the Roman alphabet, the Germanic peoples created their own characters – runes. But exactly how old is the runic alphabet, and when were the first rune stones made? These are questions that researchers have been seeking to answer for many years.
A new archaeological find is attracting international attention among runic scholars and archaeologists: the world's oldest dated rune stone was discovered during the autumn of 2021 when archaeologists at the Museum of Cultural History, University of Oslo, investigated a grave field in Hole near Tyrifjorden, Eastern Norway. Radiocarbon dates show that the age of the grave and thus the inscriptions on the stone probably date back to 1-250 CE. This rune stone is thus one of the very earliest examples of words recorded in writing in Scandinavia, and the inscriptions provide new insights into the development and use of runic writing during the early Iron Age.
What sets Black Magic Canyon apart from other canyons in the area is the incredible variety of shapes and patterns that adorn its walls. As one ventures into the depths of the canyon, they are greeted with towering walls of rock that seem to defy gravity. The intricate and elaborate designs on the rock walls create a visual spectacle that captivates visitors.
The dream of all runologists
Sometime between 1800 and 2000 years ago, someone stood near Tyrifjorden and carved runes into the 31x32 cm block of reddish-brown Ringerike sandstone. They spoke an early form of the ancient Nordic language that is the ancestor language of modern Nordic languages spoken in Scandinavia today.
"Having such a runic find fall into our lap is a unique experience and the dream of all runologists. For me, this is a highlight, because it is a unique find that differs from other preserved rune stones," says runologist Kristel Zilmer, Professor of Written Culture and Iconography at the Museum of Cultural History, University of Oslo.
Over the past year, she has worked extensively on investigating and interpreting the inscriptions on the rune stone, while archaeologists at the Museum of Cultural History have simultaneously been working on dating the grave and analysing other finds from the grave field.
The stone is named after the site and is now being called Svingerudsteinen (the Svingerud Stone).
Exploring Black Magic Canyon is like stepping into another world. The narrow passages and steep drops add to the sense of adventure and mystery. The ever-changing light and shadows play with the dark surfaces of the rocks, creating an almost otherworldly atmosphere. While the exact origins of the name "Black Magic Canyon" are unclear, it is believed that the name was given due to the enchanting and enigmatic quality of the landscape. Some local legends and myths surrounding the canyon suggest that it was once a gathering place for ancient tribes and served as a site for spiritual rituals and ceremonies. Visitors to Black Magic Canyon are advised to tread carefully and respect the fragile natural environment. The rocks are easily susceptible to erosion and should not be climbed or touched. It is also important to be mindful of the potential dangers within the canyon, such as loose rocks and unstable terrain. Overall, Black Magic Canyon offers a truly mesmerizing experience that combines natural beauty and a touch of mysticism. It is a place where one can marvel at the wonders of nature and get lost in the enchantment of the surroundings..
Reviews for "Black Magic Canyon: A Geological Marvel"
1. Samantha - 2/5 stars - I was really excited to visit the Black Magic Canyon, but I was ultimately disappointed. The canyon itself was impressive, but the experience was ruined by the huge crowds of people. It was so crowded that it was difficult to even walk through the canyon without bumping into someone. Additionally, the area was not well-maintained, with trash scattered around and graffiti on the rocks. It definitely took away from the natural beauty of the place. Overall, I wouldn't recommend going to the Black Magic Canyon if you're looking for a peaceful and relaxing outdoor experience.
2. Michael - 1/5 stars - I had high expectations for the Black Magic Canyon, and it completely fell short. The canyon was incredibly underwhelming, with lackluster rock formations and an overall unimpressive landscape. It felt like a waste of time and money. Furthermore, there was no guidance or informational signage about the canyon, so visiting felt like a pointless stroll through random rocks. Save yourself the disappointment and find another attraction to visit in the area.
3. Rachel - 3/5 stars - While the Black Magic Canyon had some interesting rock formations, I found the overall experience to be average. The canyon was smaller than I had anticipated, and it lacked the grandeur I had seen in pictures online. Additionally, there were limited facilities in the area, which made it difficult to spend a significant amount of time exploring. If you're in the area and have some spare time, it might be worth a quick visit, but don't expect to be blown away.