OUTLANDER Links, Part 12: Standing Stones
As an OUTLANDER fan, I can't help but be fascinated by the many ancient stone circles found throughout the world. Before I read Diana Gabaldon's books, I'd heard of Stonehenge, of course, but I had no idea that there were so many other formations of standing stones throughout the UK and elsewhere.
I have never had the opportunity to see any of these places in person. (Still hoping to go to Scotland some day!) If any of you have seen a stone circle, feel free to post here and tell us what it was like.
Here are some pictures and links I've collected about stone circles around the world. Hope you enjoy them!
England
Stonehenge
Here's a recent episode of the PBS program "Nova", called "Secrets of Stonehenge", which explores one theory about the origins and construction of Stonehenge. It's almost an hour long, but pretty interesting, especially when they try to recreate how the ancient builders of Stonehenge managed to move those huge stones over long distances.
Castlerigg, England
The stone circle shown above is known as Long Meg and Her Daughters, located near Penrith, Cumbria, England.
For those of you who have read "A Leaf on the Wind of All Hallows": I wonder if this might have been where Jerry MacKenzie's plane went down in October, 1941. It's in more or less the right location, it's unmistakably a stone circle, and it's clearly visible from the air. Just speculating, of course, but it works for me. <g>
Scotland
Callanish, Isle of Lewis, Scotland. The logo for my blog shows another view of the Callanish stones. I think they're beautiful, in an eerie and mysterious sort of way. <g> And the closest thing I've ever seen to what I imagine Craigh na Dun might look like.
Clava Cairns, Scotland
This picture reminds me of Claire's reaction when she visits Corrimony Cairn, where General Simon Fraser will be buried.
No buzzing, no screaming, no sensation at all. It was just a rock. After all, I thought, there was no reason why all standing stones should be assumed to mark time portals. Presumably the ancient builders had used stones to mark any place of significance— and surely a cairn like this one must have been significant. I wondered what sort of man--or woman, perhaps?--had lain here, leaving no more than an echo of their bones, so much more fragile than the enduring rocks that sheltered them.Around the World
(From An Echo in the Bone by Diana Gabaldon, chapter 75 ("Sic Transit Gloria Mundi"). Copyright© 2009 by Diana Gabaldon. All rights reserved.)
Drombeg, County Cork, Ireland
Megaliths of Almendres, Portugal
Wassu, Gambia, West Africa
Just for Fun
This collection of Wild and Wacky Stonehenge Replicas is good for a laugh. I like "Foamhenge" (pictured below) the best.
More Information
There is a lot more information about stone circles here. (Check out their picture gallery!)
Here is an interactive map showing the location of all the various stone circles and similar formations throught the UK. You can zoom in to see the exact location, as well as pictures of the standing stones.
If you find these links interesting, check out my previous "OUTLANDER Links" blog entries:
OUTLANDER Links, Part 14: 18th Century Clothing
OUTLANDER Links, Part 13: Plants and Herbs
OUTLANDER Links, Part 11: Science and Technology
OUTLANDER Links, Part 10: Weaponry
OUTLANDER Links, Part 9: Historical Events
OUTLANDER Links, Part 8: 18th Century Medicine
OUTLANDER Links, Part VII: Gemstones
OUTLANDER Links, Part VI: Wildlife
OUTLANDER Links, Part V: Castles and Palaces
OUTLANDER Links, Part IV: Native Americans
OUTLANDER Links, Part III: All Things Scottish
OUTLANDER Links, Part II: Colonial North Carolina
OUTLANDER Links, Part I: Culloden
What Do These Things Look Like?
I have visited a couple of the circles on your list.
When I visited Stonhenge, sadly the public were not permitted to walk amongst the stones, but view them from across the road after paying an entrance fee.... I am not sure if this is still the case as I havent visited since.
The complete opposite applied on visiting Clava Cairns.Visitors have complete freedom in this ancient site. My family and I sat and enjoyed a picnic amongst the stones enjoying the peace, atmosphere and the freedom to explore the stones and Cairns.
Sophie
Ever since I've read the Outlander books my Mum and I take great pleasure in seeing if we can "hear" anything unusual. ;-)
You're lucky to live in a place where there are a lot of these sites. To me, living in the U.S., stone circles seem very exotic and mysterious.
So, have you ever heard anything? :-)
Karen
Well, as I say, I hope to be able to visit the UK some day and see some of these places for myself. Too bad that you can't get close to Stonehenge anymore, but thanks for the tip about the Clava Cairns. (Trying to imagine what Claire would think about picnicking among the standing stones! She'd probably be pretty freaked out by the idea. <g>)
Karen
I loved Avebury - we arrived about dusk and it was very atmospheric without being spooky. Stonehenge is a disappointment due to the number of tourists and fences keeping you well away from the stones.
My visit to Castlerigg was interesting... half way to the centre of the circle I felt compelled to stop. No idea why but friends felt a similar effect. A couple were drumming at the edge which also added to the atmosphere. The stone circle is high itself but is in a bowl of hills/mountains around it ... probably the best position of the circles I've visited.
I look out for them on my travels - amazing creations.
KAren
I'm glad you liked the pictures! I was really surprised at the number and variety of stone circles all over the world. It's pretty amazing.
Karen