StoneLore Podcast

What if there was an ancient stone that was so important to a community that it gave an entire village its name?On the border of England and Wales, inside a small village church in Shropshire, sits a 200lb stone known as the Mægen Stān. For generations, local men used it to test their strength, lifting it to their shoulders and casting it over their left side. But over time, the tradition faded, and the stone was nearly forgotten.Just last month, stonelifting researcher Calum Stott (@sherlock_stones_) published an article sharing the results of more than a year of research into the stone’s history. His findings suggest that the Mægen Stone may be one of the strongest pieces of evidence yet for England’s own historic stonelifting culture, possibly dating back close to a thousand years.But the history doesn't stop there. There are stories that it was a challenge to prove a man's worth before marriage. Or, as local folklore suggests, it may have been thrown from a hillside by a giant.In this episode, Calum takes us through the discovery, the research, and the remarkable stories behind this stone and explains how uncovering its history is helping reveal a much wider tradition of stonelifting across England and beyond. So sit back and enjoy as we have at it discussing all things THE MÆGEN STONE.Article: The Mægen Stān of Mainstone – What’s in a name? by Calum StottBE SURE TO SUBSCRIBE AND FOLLOW OUR SHOW ​​https://pod.link/1772997849.

Imagine for a moment that you’re standing over a stone, and the way you have to lift it is by crouching over, placing the heels of your hands into the hollows on either side, then press your knees against your hands, and leverage the stone upward from that awkward kneeling position.Historian and author Deirdre O’Neill (@remnantsofourpast) tells the remarkable story of this particular stone: a medieval apex stone that was once lifted by local men, and was on the verge of disappearing from history. Deirdre has spent years researching Ireland’s forgotten traditions, including the practice of stonelifting. Through Ireland’s National Folklore Collection, she eventually tracked it down inside of a church, where its significance was completely unknown.We also talk about why Ireland’s stonelifting tradition was interrupted, how the Great Famine contributed to that break in tradition, and why Deirdre believes the recent revival is bringing these “sleeping stones” back to life. Sit back and enjoy as we have at it discussing all things THE APEX STONE OF DRUMREILLY.BE SURE TO SUBSCRIBE AND FOLLOW OUR SHOW ​​https://pod.link/1772997849https://www.remnantsofourpast.com/Instagram: @remnantsofourpastFacebook: @remnantsofourpastofficialTikTok: @remnantsofourpast

Ireland has a long and fascinating history of stonelifting, but much of that history was nearly forgotten.In this episode, my guest Dr. Conor Heffernan, explores the origins of Irish stonelifting, from ancient mythology and folklore to the stories preserved in Ireland’s National Folklore Collection. We discuss why stonelifting never became a formalized sport in Ireland, how migration and cultural change contributed to its decline, and what modern lifters are doing to bring the tradition back.Dr. Conor also explains the challenges facing Irish stonelifting today, including responsible lifting practices and the growing tension between social media, accessibility, and protecting these pieces of living history.Most importantly, we discuss the future of stonelifting and why preserving this tradition may be just as important as lifting the stones themselves. So sit back and enjoy as we have at it discussing all things IRISH STONELIFTING.https://physicalculturestudy.com/BE SURE TO SUBSCRIBE AND FOLLOW OUR SHOW ​​https://pod.link/1772997849

Can a stone make a man?In 2011, while working on a construction site in Scotland, my guest Martin Jancsics (@thestoneman265) found a large stone that he took home simply to train with it, never imagining it would lead him into the world of Scotland's historic lifting stones.That one discovery introduced him to legendary stone historian Peter Martin and ultimately helped make Martin one of the leading voices preserving Scotland's stonelifting tradition.Today, that same stone named Clach Fear Alba, has crossed the Atlantic to begin a new chapter in America. Before sending it overseas, Martin completed an incredible challenge, lifting the 266 lb stone 1,000 times in 14 weeks.In this episode, we talk about the remarkable story behind the stone, the tradition it represents, and why Martin believes lifting a stone can build far more than strength. Sit back and enjoy as we have at it discussing all things CLACH FEAR ALBA.Stonelifting: An Ancient Test of Strength Revived By Martin Jancsics/Dr. Bill CrawfordStrength: A Life Changing Adventure By Martin JancsicsBE SURE TO SUBSCRIBE AND FOLLOW OUR SHOW ​​https://pod.link/1772997849

Journey into the sacred landscapes of the Arctic as we explore the spiritual world of the Sámi, Europe's Indigenous people. In this fascinating conversation, researcher and author, Dr. Francis Joy, shares decades of work studying Sámi cosmology, shamanism, and the mysterious Sieidi Stones. Sieidis are natural rock formations believed to serve as places of communication between humans and the spirit world.We discuss the origins of the Sámi people, the role of the Noaidi (shaman), ancient offering traditions, and how Sieidi stones were used to seek guidance, protection, successful hunts, healthy reindeer herds, and more. Dr. Joy also explains how many of these sacred sites were destroyed, why some are still revered today, and the importance of treating these places with respect.Whether you're interested in Indigenous spirituality, ancient sacred sites, folklore, shamanism, or the history of Northern Europe, this is an episode you won't want to miss. So sit back and enjoy as we have at it, discussing all things SIEIDI STONES.Sámi Shamanism, Cosmology and Art as Systems of Embedded Knowledge By Francis JoyBE SURE TO SUBSCRIBE AND FOLLOW OUR SHOW ​​https://pod.link/1772997849

Were you aware that at the start of the Medieval period, a new alphabet emerged apart from the Latin alphabet by the name of Ogham? Ogham has a very unique and primitive style and can be seen on ancient stones all over Ireland’s countryside, especially in the southwest. Joining me to discuss this topic is Irish historian and tour guide Tony Corcoran, owner of Wild Irish Tours (@wild_irish_tours).Tony breaks down how Ogham was written and read, what these ancient inscriptions reveal about land ownership, the role monks played in preserving Ogham knowledge, and the surprising possibility that the language was never truly lost at all.Along the way, Tony shares personal stories passed down through his own family and offers a rare glimpse into how Ireland’s ancient past still echoes through the landscape today. This episode is packed with mythology, archaeology, language, and living oral tradition, so sit back and enjoy as we have at it, discussing all things OGHAM STONES.Book a tour of Ireland: wildirishtours.comBE SURE TO SUBSCRIBE AND FOLLOW OUR SHOW ​​https://pod.link/1772997849

Delphi was revered as the spiritual center of the ancient Greek world, marked by the enigmatic Omphalos Stone. Said to be either the stone swallowed by Kronos and later cast back out, or a marker placed by Zeus after his eagles identified the center of the cosmos, the Omphalos represented far more than a geographic midpoint. But beyond its symbolism, could this mysterious stone possibly be a device used by the Pythia to communicate with the Greek gods?Returning guest, author and historian Tom Billinge (@waryoga) joins me to examine the mythology surrounding the site, where the Omphalos was positioned within the temple, its distinctive shape, and the unusual “web of wool” carving seen on the surviving replica. Tom explains the true function of the Omphalos and how it could represent far older earth-based traditions predating Olympian gods. From cosmic mythology to archaeological uncertainty, this episode offers a fascinating look at how myth, religion, and history intertwine at one of antiquity’s most sacred sites. So sit back and enjoy as we have at it, discussing all things THE OMPHALOS STONE.Please visit: waryoga.comBE SURE TO SUBSCRIBE AND FOLLOW OUR SHOW ​​https://pod.link/1772997849

The Picts were an ancient people who lived in what is now Scotland between the 3rd and 9th centuries. With no written records of their own, the Picts remain one of history’s most mysterious cultures. Known to us only through Roman accounts, archaeology, and their ornately carved stones, what stories did they leave behind?My guest, author and historian Graeme Johncock (@scotlands_stories) joins me to examine the Aberlemno Kirkyard Stone, one of the most unique Pictish stones that we have today. Graeme explains the meaning behind its symbolic designs and early Christian imagery to a dramatic scene that may depict the pivotal Battle of Dun Nechtain in 685 AD. Could this stone commemorate a decisive Pictish victory over the Anglo-Saxons? Or does it tell a different story entirely?With insights into archaeology, myth, and history, this episode brings ancient Scotland vividly to life and reveals how much we still have to learn from these inspiring stones. So sit back and enjoy as we have at it, discussing all things THE ABERLEMNO KIRKYARD STONE.BE SURE TO SUBSCRIBE AND FOLLOW OUR SHOW ​​https://pod.link/1772997849Scotland's Stories: Historic Tales for Incredible Places by Graeme Johncocklinktr.ee/ScotlandsStories

In Part Two of my conversation with Knut Einar Skår (@knuteinarskar), we uncover even more hidden lifting stones scattered across the Norwegian landscape. Knut opens up his private research map, revealing dozens of stones not yet published on his website. Drawing from Norway’s National Library archives, obscure local history books, and word-of-mouth discoveries, he shares stories of the following: legendary giant Sterke Nils, churchyard lifting traditions tied to community gatherings, and even a forgotten farm stone rediscovered in a family garden. This conversation highlights both the depth of Norway’s strength heritage and the urgent need to document it before it disappears. So sit back and enjoy as we have at it, discussing all things NORWEGIAN LIFTING STONES!Norwegian Lifting Stones Website: loftestein.no/enBE SURE TO SUBSCRIBE AND FOLLOW OUR SHOW ​​https://pod.link/1772997849

In an age gone by, after a few pints, young men would challenge each other to lift the Lonton Egg on their way home from the pub. People would go through Lonton on their walk between Mickleton and Middleton because they could drink for longer. They would pass the old smithy and challenge each other to see who was the strongest by attempting to lift the stone as high as possible.My guest, Calum Stott (@sherlock_stones_), shares the remarkable rediscovery of the Lonton Egg, explaining how very thin threads and a bit of perseverance brought a nearly forgotten lifting stone back to life. Along the way, we dive into rural history, magical strength stories, and how one rediscovered stone helped spark a wider revival of England’s lost lifting stone traditions. So sit back and enjoy as we have at it, discussing all things THE LONTON EGG.Article: The Lonton Egg & Teesdale Feat Stone by Calum StottBE SURE TO SUBSCRIBE AND FOLLOW OUR SHOW ​​https://pod.link/1772997849.