Cornish for "stone with a hole", Men-an-Tol is the name of a three thousand year old monument near the town of Penzance. There are three stones, one fallen and two upright but the star attraction is the doughnut shaped stone with a center big enough to walk through. It is believed that all three stones were originally upright and formed a triangle around the stone circle; they were likely part of an ancient calendar or the entrance to a tomb. There are quite a few legends and superstitions surrounding the monument. Some believe it has fertility powers and if a woman passes through the circle stone seven times backwards, she will get pregnant. Another legend states that passing through the stone can cure illnesses like rickets and rheumatism.We may never know its true intention, but I think you'll agree the Men-an-Tol certainly possesses the power to amuse. While I'm always a fan of names that tell you what it is, "stone with a hole", I can't help but think the Cornish name is much closer to what the ancients were really thinking. Am I alone here?
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2 clever comments:
I love your final statement! This is really neat. My grandfathers family is from Cornwall, he always wanted me to go there in my travels. That does not look big enough to walk through. Have you been here?
Thank you for your reply and your well wishes. I am so excited to read more.
Adie- No, I haven't been to Cornwall but of course it is on my list. I fell in love with the place watching episodes of Doc Martin.
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