Gàrradh

The Gàrradh
Creag Gàrradh
Highest point
Peak	486 metres (1,594 ft)
Elevation	775 m (2,543 ft)
Dimensions
Length
Width
Naming
Native name	Gàrradh, The Wall
Geography
Countries	Ioanna

The Gàrradh (Ioannan: Creag Gàrradh, lit. The Wall or Rock Wall) is a mountain range in northern Ioanna, running east-west by northeast across the island, directly north of Yew. The range was created by a combination of glacial deposits and tectonic plate movement. Lying along a fault line between two plates, the mountains formed a natural dam of sorts which the glacier's southern advance pushed further rock against, creating a tall pinnacle that rises abruptly from the surrounding landscape in sheer cliffs. The glacier essentially dammed itself against the wall, preventing the further advance of the ice and allowing southern Ioanna to remain habitable. The Gàrradh is the tallest peak on the island. It is also an important source of fresh water for the island, with glacial melt accounting for 80% of all potable water. The other 20% comes from underground springs and snowmelt in the Fhiona Mountains.

In Ioannan folklore, the wall was reared by primordial giants who built it to stop the glaciers from overrunning their homes. Although this belief has fallen by the wayside, Yew holds a popular Giant's Festival each autumn that carries elements of the mythology mixed with modern harvest celebrations.