The majority of runestones are memorials to people who died, whether at home or abroad. Some runestones also functioned as a form of public declaration for land ownership. Others believe that some possess magic or even curses.My guest, runestone photographer Johan Grennard (@tales_from_the_north), joins me to discuss famous runestones located in Sweden from before the Vendel period through the Viking Age. These once brightly colored painted stones have since faded, but we hope to restore their vibrancy by sharing the stories behind these iconic stones. So, sit back and enjoy as we have at it discussing all things SWEDISH RUNESTONES.BE SURE TO SUBSCRIBE AND FOLLOW OUR SHOW https://pod.link/1772997849
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33:29
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33:29
Norwegian Manhood Stones
Lifting stones have been used all over the world to mark a boy’s passage from childhood into manhood, and Norway is no different. Tucked away in the mountains and valleys of some of the country’s most remote areas, you can still find these stones just waiting to be lifted by the next challenger.My guest, Knut Einar Skår (@knuteinarskar), has been hard at work researching and locating these manhood stones, building an online database where all their history and information can be stored. After speaking with locals and poring over the national archives, Knut has identified more than 60 stones and their locations. Many of these were testing stones, used by men of the area to prove their strength, be confirmed in the church, or, in one instance, be bestowed with supernatural powers! The tradition and folklore of lifting stones in Norway cannot be ignored, so sit back and enjoy as we have at it discussing all things NORWEGIAN MANHOOD STONES.Norwegian Lifting Stones Website: loftestein.no/enBE SURE TO SUBSCRIBE AND FOLLOW OUR SHOW https://pod.link/1772997849
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36:06
Mouilín Port Bhéal An Dún
It was a great day in each young man’s life when he raised the stone from the ground and ‘gave it wind’, as they said. And if he raised it to his knees, he was a champion, the equal of the best. And if he raised it to his chest he was a hero, a phenomenon of strength and men talked of him.It was the rediscovery of this stone that led my guest, David Keohan (@_indiana_stones_) to the rediscovery of 50 plus lifting stones in Ireland that were almost completely lost to time. This is also the stone that was the inspiration for Liam O’Flaherty’s short story titled “The Stone”. Enjoy hearing David’s journey in reclaiming a portion of Ireland’s identity that had been lost. And in a way, you could say that this stone brought back the culture of Irish stonelifting, so sit back and enjoy as we have at it discussing all things MOUILÍN PORT BHÉAL AN DÚN.The Stone by Liam O’FlahertyArticle: The Quest for the Stone of Inishmore by David KeohanGoFundMe: Rescue the Pudrac Plinth and Wallace Putting Stone BE SURE TO SUBSCRIBE AND FOLLOW OUR SHOW https://pod.link/1772997849
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56:38
Marjunar Hav
“I know what awaits. Death surely looms. This stone will be a testament to my strength.”These were the words of Norðnástova housemaid Marjun, who fell pregnant out of wedlock at a time when that was punishable by death. Marjun was on her way along Åargil river with the other milkmaids when they came across the stone. She stopped in her tracks and lifted it single-handedly. This story dates back to the 16th century and is now the most famous lifting stone in the Faroe Islands.Researcher and stonelifter Bjartur Niclasson (@bjartur.leo) joins me to discuss this giant 633 lb slab and how it became so popular. He’s currently working on publishing a book documenting all the research he’s done on Faroese lifting stones, and because of his extensive research, Bjartur shares several other stories tied to Marjunar Hav that aren’t so well known. So sit back and enjoy as we have at it discussing all things MARJUNAR HAV.BE SURE TO SUBSCRIBE AND FOLLOW OUR SHOW https://pod.link/1772997849
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52:39
Stonelifting Roundtable
Tune in to an epic discussion featuring some of today’s most prominent stonelifters from Scotland, Ireland, Canada, and the United States. Join Martin Jancsics (@thestoneman265) David Keohan (@_indiana_stones_) Dave Nisbet (@caveman.daveman) Dale Nisbet (@i_byde_it) Jarrett McPhee (@newenglandstonelifting) Sean Urquhart (@seanurq) Keith Surette (@_fullsterkur_) Tom Billinge (@waryoga) and myself as we gather together and share stories, memories, and our vision for the future of stonelifting and its community.From inspiring moments to personal reflections on what stonelifting means to each of us (and even a few good laughs), this episode has it all! Enjoy this truly unique opportunity that I had the honor to be a part of. Thank you to Josh Mackintosh (@nofamegame) for orchestrating this and giving us the space we needed to record.BE SURE TO SUBSCRIBE AND FOLLOW OUR SHOW https://pod.link/1772997849
Join Jonathan as he welcomes international guests to journey through history and time – discovering and recovering the fables, myths, and legends of ancient stones and stones of strength.
Ireland