tor

A tor is a distinctive landform: a rocky hill, crag, or bare rock outcrop that stands out from the land around it. The word is often used for isolated masses of rock, especially in granite regions, where weathering has worn away softer material and left the harder rock exposed over a very long time. The result is often a steep, rugged rise that looks striking against flatter or gentler ground.

The word "tor" comes from Celtic sources and originally referred to a high, rocky peak or hill. It is most strongly linked with places such as Dartmoor in Devon, England, where these formations are a famous part of the landscape, but similar features can be found in other parts of the world as well, including Australia, Africa, and North America.

These formations are not just geological features; they often carry cultural importance too. For centuries, people have used them as landmarks, and some have been linked with prehistoric activity, local traditions, and folklore. In stories, they may appear as places of mystery, danger, or old power.

So when you picture a tor, think of a rocky height that has endured wind, rain, and time, standing clear in the open landscape. It is both a physical feature of the land and, in many places, a source of history, identity, and imagination.