Conquer This Cryptic: Cracking the “Mountain Above Vulcan’s Forge” Crossword Clue
Hey crossword fanatics! This week’s puzzle threw a real curveball at me, and I know I’m not alone. That fiendish clue, “Mountain above Vulcan’s forge,” had me stumped for longer than I’d care to admit. But, after a bit of head-scratching (and maybe a little help from my trusty thesaurus!), I finally cracked it. This post breaks down the thought process, explores potential red herrings, and offers a few strategies for tackling similar cryptic clues. Let’s dive in!
The first thing to recognize is that this clue is a charade, a common cryptic crossword device. A charade clue presents the answer as a combination of two or more words, with each word representing a part of the overall solution. We can see the structure immediately with the preposition “above” clearly indicating the positioning of the two elements.
So, we have two main parts to consider: a “mountain” and “Vulcan’s forge.”
Let’s tackle “mountain” first. This is relatively straightforward; there are numerous mountain names we could consider. However, the cryptic nature of the clue suggests that we’re looking for a name that might have some additional significance or a less obvious connection to the second part.
This brings us to “Vulcan’s forge.” Vulcan, in Roman mythology, is the god of fire, metalworking, and volcanoes. His forge is, therefore, a place of intense heat and creation, often associated with volcanic activity. This immediately provides a crucial link to our search for a mountain. We’re not just looking for
any
mountain, but one with a strong association with fire, heat, or volcanoes.
Consider the possible connotations: active volcanoes, mythological mountains associated with fire, even mountains known for their fiery sunsets or geological formations that suggest intense heat. This narrows the field considerably from the vast number of mountains worldwide.
The use of “above” is also crucial. It’s not just a spatial relationship; it suggests a hierarchical or sequential relationship in the answer itself. This might mean one part of the word is literally above the other (as in a stacked arrangement), or it signifies one part being more significant or dominant.
The challenge here lies in finding the precise combination that satisfies both elements and their relationship, fulfilling the “above” condition. It’s a process of elimination, testing different mountain names against the volcanic implications of “Vulcan’s forge,” keeping in mind the inherent wordplay of cryptic clues.
Remember to consider alternative spellings, abbreviations, or less common names. Cryptic crosswords frequently use less well-known words or cleverly disguise common ones, adding to their complexity. Don’t be afraid to consult a dictionary or geographical atlas if necessary. A bit of research can often unearth the answer to the most puzzling clues.
So, how did you fare with this particularly challenging crossword clue? Let me know your thoughts and strategies in the comments below. And, most importantly, share your own successful (or hilariously unsuccessful) attempts! Happy puzzling!
Available Answers:
ETNA.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: NY Times Crossword 8 Jan 25, Wednesday