Plateau of Ash

Mount Etna (Latin: Aetna, Italian: Etna, Sicilian: Mungibeddu) is an active stratovolcano on the east coast of the island of Sicily, Italy. It is the tallest active volcano on the European continent and one of the most active in the world. Currently, Mount Etna stands 3,329 m high, covers an area of 1,190 km² and has a basal circumference of 140 km. In the region of Europe and North Africa, it is only surpassed by Mount Teide on Tenerife. The forges of Hephaestus (Greek: Ἥφαιστος, Hēphaistos) are said to be located underneath the mountain, according to Greek mythology.

Exploring the Mordorian ash plains in the highest regions of Mount Etna under a beautiful blue sky. I kind of felt like Frodo, walking across the plains of Gorgoroth.

“One does not simply walk into Mordor. Its Black Gates are guarded by more than just Orcs. There is evil there that does not sleep, and the Great Eye is ever watchful… It is a barren wasteland, riddled with fire and ash and dust, the very air you breathe is a poisonous fume…”

Sicily, Italy ~ July 2009

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