Lesson One | throughthestones

Lesson One - Through the Stones

The Callanish Stones

The Callanish Stones are an arrangement of standing stones that were placed in a cross like shape with a central stone circle. They are located in the village of Callanish, which is in Lewis, Scotland. They came about in the late Neolithic era and were used for ritual activity during the Bronze Age.

It is believed that the stone circle was set up between 2900 and 2600 BC. The Callanish Stones consist of a stone circle that is made up of thirteen stones. There is a monolith near the center. There are five rows that connect to this circle. The stones are all made up of Precambrian metamorphic rock. Within the stone circle lies a chambered tomb to the east of the central stone.

The first reference to the stones was written by John Morisone, whom was a Lewis native. In 1680 he wrote that the stones were men "converted into stone by an enchanter" and set up in a ring "for devotion". Then in 1695 a man named Martin Martin visited the site and was told by the locals that the Callanish Stones was a place appointed for worship in the time of heathenism. According to legend, the chief druid or priest stood near the big stone in the center, from where he addressed himself to the people that surrounded him.

In other folklores, some believed the stones to be petrified giants who would not convert to Christianity. In the 17th century, the people of Lewis called the stones "false men."

Craigh na Dun

In the Series Outlander, the Callanish Stones could model the fictional circle near Culloden called Craigh na Dun. This is where former World War II nurse Claire Randall touches the stone and is transported back in time to Scotland in 1743. Throughout the series, Claire and other time travelers will use this stone to travel through different time periods.

The book series and television show tell their own version of the stone circles. Mrs. Grahm gives us a good description about the stones in episode 8, when she sits down to talk with Frank.

“The stories are old. Some say as old as the stones themselves, passed down from generation to generation through ballads and songs. I first heard them from my grandmother, and she from hers. The songs tell stories about people who travel through the stones….Not literally through the stone itself. You see, the circle at Craigh Na Dun marks a, a place on the earth where the powers of nature come together….The stones gather the powers and give it focus, like a glass…and for certain people, on certain days, it allows them to pierce the veil of time.”

In the series we learn that Mrs. Grahm is a part of a group of Druids that uses the stones and circles to worship.

Samhain

The Eve of Samhain is a Gaelic festival that marks the end of the harvest season. It also marks the first day of New Year. According to Irish mythology, Samhain is a time when the doorway to the other side opens, allowing the spirits of the dead to come into our world. In the United States Samhain is referred to as Halloween (or All Hallows Eve), which descends from this ancient pagan festival.

In the series, when Claire first travels back in time, it takes place soon after an old Samhain ritual is performed by a group of druids at the standing stone circle. This ritual helped to open the worlds, thus allowing Claire to time travel through the stones.

Even though we’re focusing on Claire Randall’s particular case, we know there are other main sites, around the world, known for being magical for druids. Some of these sites are so full of magical power that even Muggles suspect something. We all must thank our Ministry’s hard work to keep as secret as possible these rituals if Muggles still believe those are only ancient legends.

Stonehenge

One of the most famous circle of stones of the world is, of course, Stonehenge, in England. It’s name comes from “stone” and “henge”, probably from the English word “hang”, and means “hanging stone”. Muggles believe it is an ancient burial ground, but we know it was actually raised by Merlin himself for ritual purposes, and someone believes it is some kind of map of the sky. The important thing is that this site is still used by modern druids for their rituals, especially those which celebrate the beginning of the Summer.

Fairy Circles

An important phenomenon we notice about these circles is the apparition of so-called “Fairy ring”, "Witches' rings" or "The circle of fairies". Ancient Celtic legends say that these circles in the grass were actually caused by fairies and goblins which danced around the stone circle all night long, while in northern Italy it is believed that they were made by the tails of the dragons that used to dance around the circles.

From ancient druid chronicles, though, we know these circles were the marks left by the power of the rituals performed by ancient warlocks. Folklore says that whoever enters one of these circles can see the elf or the fairy who lives inside, but we know, from Claire Randall’s story, that there’s a third option: time travel.

Even though Claire wasn’t there to verify and tell us, after her journey local druids noticed that a Fairy Circle appeared in Craigh na Dun, as mark of the great power involved. And this is really strong evidence that those legends aren’t only legends, but do have a very strong background of truth.

Assignment One - Please send all assignment to holthroughthestones@gmail.com

(Short Answer- worth 10 points)

1. Where are the Callanish Stones located?

2. What were the Stones used for during the Bronze Age?

3. How many stones make up the Callanish Stones?

4. What type of rock are the Callanish Stones made of?

5. Who wrote that the stones were men converted into stone by an enchanter?

(True or False- worth 10 points)

1. Craigh na Dun could be modeled after the Callanish Stones?

2. Claire travels to Scotland in 1643.

3. Mrs. Grahm is a Druid.

4. Only a Druid can pass through the stones.

5. You can travel through the stone any day of the year.

6. Stonehenge is located in England.

7. Muggles believe that Stonehenge was raised by Merlin himself, to preform rituals.

8. Circles left in the grass were caused by faries and goblins dancing around the stones.

9. A Fairy Circle appeard at Craigh na Dun

10. Dragon tails made up the circles left in the grass in Germany.

(Short Story- worth 10 points)

Tell me about how you celebrate Samhain. What is it called where you come from? In the United States we refer to it as Halloween. If you don't celebrate, then tell me why and explain what Samhain means where you come from. You can even make up a story. Be creative!

Extra Credit - (worth 30 points)

In this lesson we learned about the Callanish Stones. There are many other standing stones located in Scotland. I want you to research another standing stone and tell me about it. Where is it located? What does it look like? Are there any folklores behind that particular stone? Some examples (the 12 Apostles, Machrie Moor, and the Ring of Brodgar) to earn the full 30 points, there must be 300 words and pictures would be nice.

All assignments are due by January 10th. Be sure to label each assignment with the correct assignment number, your HOL name and ID.