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For
more information about bogs and bog bodies, see
by James M. Deem |
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What
is a bog?
A bog is a wet
land, but
this wetland is a very deceptive
place. Although it can look (and sometimes feel) like land
(perhaps with some small ponds or pools of water dotting the
land, as well);
in fact, it is more like a spongy "floating carpet"
of land. Underneath the surface, the bog is full of
water--about 90-95% water.
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This
bog is in Ireland. It is covered with plants, but
the ground itself is water-logged.
Be
careful where you step (or place your
cursor)...there might be some bodies in this bog....
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This
artificial bog is in Germany. It was created for the
Moor and Fen Museum in Elisabethfehn (near
Oldenburg). A nearby sign warns visitors not to step
on this bog or they will fall through to top layer.
It is so water-logged that it cannot support the
weight of a person.
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Bogs were
considered strange and supernatural places by the early
Europeans. They might talk to their gods and goddesses
there...or even their dead relatives. They also knew
bogs could be deadly and unforgiving. One misstep could
cause a person to drown. For this reason, the early
peoples of Europe built trackways through bogs so that
they could travel safely. Many examples of trackways
have survived.
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