As I stand in awe looking up at the massive pillars of solid grey stone several times larger than I’d expected, I realize I am lilliputian. As I listen to my hand held audio tour, I visualize this wondrous place instantly brought back to life. I am transported to another era somewhere amidst an unrecorded time, years away from the modern highway I traversed to get here. I understand how stories of ancient Summer Solstice festivities, Druid rituals and legends pointing to Merlin as the architect of this monument during King Arthur’s day capture the heart of so many visitors. I try to imagine the stones as they stood, newly constructed and in their perspective places. The large stones now resting on the ground are once again erected, crowing the henge. I am fascinated by the enormity and beauty of this place; a place that has outlasted many lifetimes and several centuries, a place that will surely outlast me. This is what strikes me upon my maiden voyage to this strangely magical place.
Stonehenge- A brief history-
Stonehenge is a fascinating piece of British history, which fills the imagination with both facts and legends. I remember how excited I was to have seen the henge. During my initial visit of Stonehenge I was amazed by how many stories,myths and legends revolved around this ancient place.
The iconic, prehistoric monument is located in Wiltshire County, England. The landscape surrounding Stonehenge is littered with burial mounds in fields that stretch as far as the eye can see; when taking a closer look you’ll discover these earthy mounds completing the henge. The sarsen stones compose the outer circle of Stonehenge, they weigh nearly 50 tons each. Inside the henge there is a circle of smaller blue stones, some believe this circle may never have been completed. It is thought that people of the late neolithic period constructed Stonehenge in around 3000 BC. The monument was once believed to be a creation of the Druids, but now faces many different theories in recent years.
British legend tells us that Merlin may have had a hand in creating Stonehenge during the days of Kind Arthur. The High King, Aurelius Ambrosius, wanted to create a memorial to commemorate nobleman slain by the Saxon leader, Hengest. Merlin realized that only giants would have the ability to move the such large stones from Africa to Ireland. The stones were from “Mount Killaraus,” and had been used in rituals. Merlin decided that his magic would have to be used in the stones removal. The stones were eventually shipped back to Britain after being dismantled and the henge once again resurrected to its original form.
The origination of Stonehenge remains a mystery today. Steps are being taken to preserve this enchanting site in its intended, original form. A major highway encroaches on the henge, with shops located nearby. The legends, archaeological digs, history and beauty of the henge is awe inspiring. For anyone who wishes to visit England, this is a place which one simply must see, rich in history, myth and legend.
