| Author |
Stones that do Things |
Runemage
Joined:
15-07-2005
Messages: 2412
from UK
 OFF-Line
|  Posted 05-05-2012 at 20:25
I’m fascinated by the descriptive names of many of the stones on our site-pages. The English names are mostly quite ordinary to my ears, but sites in other countries give so many interesting attributes.
Maen Llia, the stone that laps. Cerrig has found by observation that the shadow from Maen Llia travels to a nearby stream ‘to drink' at a certain time of the year. Cue Cerrig to give the proper details instead of my précis.
A couple of new French sites caught my eye today,
Pierre qui Poussé - the stone that grows http://www.megalithic.co.uk/article.php?sid=6333809#46295
I was hoping it translated as the stone that pushes, like the ones at Stanton Drew and Avebury, but no.
Pierre Frite - Fried Stone? This doesn’t look vitrified, so how on earth did it acquire that name – unless of course my French is so bad it means something else!
http://www.megalithic.co.uk/modules.php?op=modload&name=a312&file=index&do=showpic&pid=88388
Pierre au Chat Stone with Cat. No image here of that one so we don’t know if it looks feline.
http://www.megalithic.co.uk/article.php?sid=6342492
One poor image found online
http://www.yonne-89.net/images6/Pierre_au_chat.jpg
Pierre Levée is not the stone that gets up, it’s often translated as Standing Stone, but it’s a common name and confusingly is used for some dolmens. Type Pierre Levee in the search box and see.
Roche aux Fées is Fairy Rock, that’s a pretty common legend in Ireland too.
Water Music Stone is intriguing, http://www.megalithic.co.uk/article.php?sid=824180421
Does anyone know of any other interestingly-named stones and ones that like Maen Llia may actually relate to something they do?
Rune
 Profile
 Reply
|
cerrig
Joined:
25-09-2009
Messages: 909
from Brecon Beacons
OFF-Line
| Posted 05-05-2012 at 22:30
Maen Llia has attached to it a legend that it shares with several other standing stones from all over Europe, that of leaving it's spot and going to the nearest river/pond etc. for a drink or a swim. This usually happens at a particular time of year or at a time of some event or other.
In the case of Maen Llia it's either when the cock crows or at midsummer. After some time spent observing Maen Llia it would seem that neither is true, but there may be something in the legend after all.
The name "Maen Llia", when translated, gives up "stone" for "Maen" without much argument, but, this being Welsh, "Llia" doesn't seem to have a direct translation. It depends on which expert you ask, but the option's seem to be that "Llia" could be someones name, so it would become "Llia's stone". As the only known historical person called Llia is buried near Harlech in North Wales, the chance of a major South Walian landmark being named after him is remote. There has been a long standing divide between North and South Wales, a bit like the situation in England.
The most likely candidates would seem to be the ones listed on Wickipedia for the Afon Llia,
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Afon_Llia
My choice would be " to lick or to lap". This would fit in with the legend nicely, and also, the shadow cast by Maen Llia, does look like an extended tongue. As though it's about to lap up a drink.
At the beginning of April this shadow becomes long enough to reach down the slope as far as the Afon Llia stream. This happens just as the sun sets. So, the stone may not move, but it does stick out it's very long tongue to "lap" from the nearby stream. A legend that can still be witnessed happening today 
Profile
Reply
|
golux
Joined:
15-03-2010
Messages: 19
OFF-Line
| Posted 06-05-2012 at 00:04
I think "Pierre Levée" should be taken to mean "the stone raised" or "lifted up" because that is the literal meaning of the French. Hence it is correct to apply it to a dolmen or to refer to any stone which is stood on its end.
[ This message was edited by: golux on 2012-05-06 00:36 ]
Profile
Reply
|
golux
Joined:
15-03-2010
Messages: 19
OFF-Line
| Posted 06-05-2012 at 00:37
There are many stones around the world called Roche Moutonnée, this being the name of a certain rock formation created by a glacier. They are smoothly rounded and asymetrical rather like an egg, marked with parallel striations and varying in size from a mountain to a just a few metres high.
The odd name does not mean "sheep-like rock" as you might expect, but "shaped like a 'moutonee' wig". This was a wig popular among 18th century French gentlemen who wore them rubbed with sheep fat, - hence "moutonee". A set of these stones can be seen near Grantown-on-Spey at NJ 00174 24988.
Profile
Reply
|
hamish
Joined:
20-06-2001
Messages: 156
from Bristol
OFF-Line
| Posted 06-05-2012 at 11:15
Rune
The water music stone was called that for its position near the Music Water Camping site. It could have been called the Bogee Farm Stone or the Tremount Long Stone. I think The Water Music Stone is the best.
H
.
Quote:
|
On 2012-05-05 20:25, Runemage wrote:
I’m fascinated by the descriptive names of many of the stones on our site-pages. The English names are mostly quite ordinary to my ears, but sites in other countries give so many interesting attributes.
Maen Llia, the stone that laps. Cerrig has found by observation that the shadow from Maen Llia travels to a nearby stream ‘to drink' at a certain time of the year. Cue Cerrig to give the proper details instead of my précis.
A couple of new French sites caught my eye today,
Pierre qui Poussé - the stone that grows http://www.megalithic.co.uk/article.php?sid=6333809#46295
I was hoping it translated as the stone that pushes, like the ones at Stanton Drew and Avebury, but no.
Pierre Frite - Fried Stone? This doesn’t look vitrified, so how on earth did it acquire that name – unless of course my French is so bad it means something else!
http://www.megalithic.co.uk/modules.php?op=modload&name=a312&file=index&do=showpic&pid=88388
Pierre au Chat Stone with Cat. No image here of that one so we don’t know if it looks feline.
http://www.megalithic.co.uk/article.php?sid=6342492
One poor image found online
http://www.yonne-89.net/images6/Pierre_au_chat.jpg
Pierre Levée is not the stone that gets up, it’s often translated as Standing Stone, but it’s a common name and confusingly is used for some dolmens. Type Pierre Levee in the search box and see.
Roche aux Fées is Fairy Rock, that’s a pretty common legend in Ireland too.
Water Music Stone is intriguing, http://www.megalithic.co.uk/article.php?sid=824180421
Does anyone know of any other interestingly-named stones and ones that like Maen Llia may actually relate to something they do?
Rune
|
|
Profile
 Email
Reply
|
BareClawz
Joined:
27-04-2012
Messages: 8
from Shrewton
OFF-Line
| Posted 06-05-2012 at 19:13
As the topic says stones that do things, here's one that maybe people can answer for me. I have in my collection of CD's Michael Stearns & Ron Sunsinger – Singing Stones. (Lots of info on google)
What is a singing stone? Well, according to extremely (and possibly purposefully) vague album liner notes and outside reference articles, a singing stone is granite rock that, when struck, dragged upon, rubbed, or slapped, creates a "wonderful resonance."
It's intrigued me for years, are these real and does anyone know anything else about them?
Steve
Profile
Reply
|
Runemage
Joined:
15-07-2005
Messages: 2412
from UK
OFF-Line
| Posted 06-05-2012 at 20:28
Hi Steve,
Ringing Rocks as a search term turns up no end of interest 
Go find Paul Devereux' site and see where he found such musical stones, clue, sacred location in Wales, natural outrcrop, guess what colour the stones are... he has recordings on his site and some sound like bells. His book Stone Age Soundtracks covers many an interesting thing re ancient sites, sounds and altered states of consciousness.
There are also worked stones formed into lithophones which sound like traditional instruments.
Not just confined to the UK either, Aluta posted these some time ago.
http://www.megalithic.co.uk/modules.php?op=modload&name=a312&file=index&do=showpic&pid=30160
The sarcophagus in the Kings Chamber of the Great Pyramid is said to resonate like a bell when struck (as well as feel the exact right size for anyone who lays down in it)
Africa seems to have some impressive ones too.(PD again)
Ringing Rocks, sonics etc. comes up regularly on the forum, have a read of some past threads, we do have a diverse amount of subjects.
Rune
Profile
Reply
|
cerrig
Joined:
25-09-2009
Messages: 909
from Brecon Beacons
OFF-Line
| Posted 06-05-2012 at 21:05
Another Growing stone, this time in Crickhowell.
http://www.megalithic.co.uk/article.php?sid=4039
Profile
Reply
|
Martin_L
Joined:
04-10-2007
Messages: 787
OFF-Line
| Posted 07-05-2012 at 10:22
Also common in France: stones that turn (vire):
http://www.megalithic.co.uk/google_results.php?cx=partner-pub-4246035596572293%3A5pf3mx-mylq&cof=FORID%3A10&ie=ISO-8859-1&q=vire&sa=Search
Profile
Reply
|
golux
Joined:
15-03-2010
Messages: 19
OFF-Line
| Posted 07-05-2012 at 11:51
An example of a "ringing stone" or "gong rock" is the recumbent stone of the Arnhill Stone Circle in Aberdeenshire (http://www.megalithic.co.uk/article.php?sid=631). Radio Scotland broadcast a recording of this stone being "played" (i.e. hit with another rock). It doesn't sound like a bell though, just a dull sort of "clonk".
[ This message was edited by: golux on 2012-05-07 11:55 ]
Profile
Reply
|
Runemage
Joined:
15-07-2005
Messages: 2412
from UK
OFF-Line
| Posted 07-05-2012 at 15:56
Many thanks to everyone for your input so far.
Cerrig, I knew your on-the-spot description would do the phenomenon justice. And you have a growing stone too, which proves that the name or action isn't just confined to one area or country.
Golux, Your description makes much more sense than mine. I'd have never worked out Roche Moutonnée in a million years!
Hamish, ah, I see, I thought the name for such an imposing stone may be far more enigmatic than being named after a locality. Fancy walking across that field at night if you didn't know it was there...
Martin_L I'd never heard of those, fascinating, I wonder what could lie behind the name as so many share this talent.
Ringing rocks, yes, some to definitely clunk whereas others are more like a gong.
Here's PD talking about a few http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rr8ZFdBP0xQ
Here are some bluestones
http://www.landscape-perception.com/carn_menyn_focus_areas/acoustic_corner/
Rune
Profile
Reply
|
Runemage
Joined:
15-07-2005
Messages: 2412
from UK
OFF-Line
| Posted 08-05-2012 at 21:15
Serendipity......... an article on the Landscape and Perception website in The Wire today.
http://thewire.co.uk/articles/9061/?pageno=1
Profile
Reply
|
sem
Joined:
12-11-2003
Messages: 1710
from Bridgend,S.Wales
OFF-Line
| Posted 08-05-2012 at 23:25
Rune
I'd be careful when sucking up to Cerrig, he may be an archaeo in disguise.
The RCAHMW publication "The Western Brecon Beacons" (2nd Ed 2012) by David Leighton includes an Acknowlegement to one Andrew Davies.
Could this be the chaser of sheep we all recognise or is he just a legend?
Profile
Reply
|
cerrig
Joined:
25-09-2009
Messages: 909
from Brecon Beacons
OFF-Line
| Posted 09-05-2012 at 03:58
A certain Simon Charlesworth has sneaked his way in as well (probably bribery or blackmail)  
Profile
Reply
|
bat400
Joined:
10-04-2006
Messages: 1335
from South Central Indiana, US
OFF-Line
| Posted 14-05-2012 at 19:00
More musical stones:
In the Keystone State: Ringing Rocks.
In Tanzania
Gong Rock, which also benefits from having a frog named after it...
Profile
Reply
|
Runemage
Joined:
15-07-2005
Messages: 2412
from UK
OFF-Line
| Posted 30-07-2012 at 23:10
C'mon Sem, that's intriguing, tell us more about the Rockingstone.
http://www.megalithic.co.uk/article.php?sid=2146414093#47331
" The highlight must be the unplanned invite from the O'Rourkes at Rockingstone Farm to view the stone - and did it rock, to the accompaniment of a sound show of thunder! "
Rune
Profile
Reply
|
bat400
Joined:
10-04-2006
Messages: 1335
from South Central Indiana, US
OFF-Line
| Posted 31-07-2012 at 14:38
And here is a stone in England that is said to turn - when the church clock strikes midnight!
Pyrford Stone
Profile
Reply
|
sem
Joined:
12-11-2003
Messages: 1710
from Bridgend,S.Wales
OFF-Line
| Posted 01-08-2012 at 00:33
Hi Rune
It was one of those chance events that turn something good into something extraordinary. Sunday lunchtime I was having a fag outside when a lady stopped her car, wound the window down and asked what the MegP event was about. When I'd explained she said "Our farm down the road has a rockingstone on it - would you like to see it?"
I passed her phone number on to AndyB and Tim Prevett (he's better at doing tours than me) and just after 4pm there's about twenty MegP members peeing their pants in excitement as a stone the size of a small car is being rocked by Tim. To add to the atmosphere we had a peal of thunder. C (my wife) said something about upsetting the Old Gods, but on reflection we both agree it was more likely to be a sign of their approval.
A
Profile
Reply
|
ESgt
Joined:
19-10-2010
Messages: 42
from SK 483342
OFF-Line
| Posted 01-08-2012 at 01:41
Quote:
|
... a stone the size of a small car is being rocked ...
|
|
Initiated Rockingstone Farm as a new site, and sent in a short video of the stone being rocked, and one with Tim rocking another stone at the top of Rowtor Rocks. Can't find them in here though.
The Rowtor Rocks one made a booming sound, being over the top of a Victorian cavern - where I found some cave art
[ This message was edited by: ESgt on 2012-08-01 01:45 ]
Profile
Email
Reply
|
Andy B
Joined:
13-02-2001
Messages: 7008
from Surrey, UK
OFF-Line
| Posted 01-08-2012 at 17:07
Thanks Eric, you look different in real life to your photo. Eric claimed his 'reward scheme' books once I realised who he was! Thanks for reminding me about the scheme - which is still running - if a little dusty - see the link in the top menu.
Here's the stone:
http://www.megalithic.co.uk/article.php?sid=31834
I'll put this on the front page - does anyone have more pics from Rockingstone Farm to come in?
I have a video from Sem which I will upload. [Update - now embedded and ready to view] You can embed videos on our pages if you upload them to Youtube or other video sharing site first. Just post the link and I can help embed if you prefer.
[ This message was edited by: Andy B on 2012-08-01 21:23 ]
Profile
Email
Reply
|
Main News