The Autumn Glow, Majestic Waves, and Strolls of the Shetland Islands

The light and colors tell the story of the changing seasons in the Shetland Islands. As the sun gradually approaches the horizon, the intense and clear summer light is replaced by a golden hue, casting a golden glow over the land and deepening the shadows. The strong winds stir up the turbulent sea, with waves spraying in the wind, and the saturated sky is painted with the colors of the sunset, making one feel as if they are floating in a world of ever-changing weather. Local folklore says that the equinox storms are caused by a great battle in the deep sea. It is said that the sea goddess rules the ocean during the summer. She banishes the storm bringer, Tran, to the depths of the sea so that he does not cause too much disruption to the lives of the islanders. The sea goddess is a gentle ruler, responsible for creating clear weather, ensuring bountiful harvests from the sea, and protecting fishermen. By the end of summer, she becomes exhausted, and Tran strives to regain control, resulting in fierce storms. The emerald waves crash against our coastline, seemingly ignited from within. On cloudy days, mist shrouds the mountains, casting a gray pall over the world, and the sea becomes a place to seek color. Due to the scarcity of trees, some signs of autumn are not obvious here, but a closer look at our landscape reveals a rich tapestry of color changes. As the last wildflowers wither, the hills take on golden and brown hues, interwoven with deep green moss. Countless fungi can be found here, ranging from vibrant reds and yellows to delicate pearly whites. Although many of our areas may lack trees, there are still places where one can experience the magic of autumn woodland walks. When the moonlight casts rainbows on the clouds and the auroras dance in the sky, even the darkness of winter is imbued with color. We call the auroras 'mirrie dancers,' with 'mirr' meaning blurred. They indeed look like dancing figures, their edges blurred as they blend into the night sky. They usually shimmer with silvery-green light, but sometimes higher lights emit red, and on very active nights, purple hues can be seen. Part of the beauty of the auroras lies in their elusive nature. Although solar activity that causes auroras can be tracked, their impact on the sky is unpredictable and often depends on local weather. There is nothing more joyous than stepping outside on a cold, clear night and unexpectedly discovering the starry sky shimmering with dancing colors.