Head To Head
Log In
Register
The Modern Antiquarian Forum »
Tombo's weblogs...
Log In to post a reply

173 messages
Topic View: Flat | Threaded
FourWinds
FourWinds
10943 posts

Just because it's pretty?
Sep 23, 2003, 10:56
That's a bit basic, but in a way, yes. Well I think so.

Many of these sites were in use before we had gods and goddesses. (anyone who argues with is arguing with not only me, but Burl and Graves too so nyer!)

Gods and goddesses grew from people personifying experiences and places (and both combined). First there was probably 'spirit of place'. As tribal people intermingled they must have realised that they all had the same idea about places as everyone else. These eventually became the gods.

So, in a way, many of these sites were possibly first used becuase they were attractive, not only in looks, but in function because 'that amazing hill helps us tell the time of year from this point' or whatever.

Others will have seemed 'magikal' because a stream rose from the top of a hill (Newgrange is built upon such a spot) or whatever.

Most sites are built from local stone. A few feature eratics, but technically they were obtained locally so it's the same thing. Rare exceptions (the big ones) have stones from very far afield and different meanings must be attributed to these stones.
Topic Outline:

The Modern Antiquarian Forum Index