Megalith

A megalith refers to a large stone that was used by Neolithic (though there are some from earlier periods, and later periods, most are Neolithic) peoples to construct some form of monument. There are many examples throughout the world, including all across Western Europe. Much of their function in Neolithic society is shrouded by the mysteries of time, leading to mythology and folklore surrounding them - such as the famous Stonehenge. The megaliths of Cornwall are said to be protected by spriggans, and some are cursed and others are said to be people-turned-to-stone.
== Monolith ==
A monolith refers to any single erected stone.
=== Menhir ===
This is when a single monolith has been erected, alone, as a monument, sometimes called a "standing stone".
=== Capstone ===
A capstone is a monolith that is positioned horizontally, sometimes directly on the ground, or atop of other stones, where it may be called a "table stone".
== Cromlech ==
A cromlech is also known as a "stone circle". When a series of standing stones are positioned in a ring shape, they are referred to as a cromlech. A henge specifically refers to the circular earthworks, which may or may not contain a stone or wood monument.
* Stonehenge
* Avebury
* The Merry Maidens
* Long Meg and her Daughters
* Stanton Drew Stone Circles
== Dolmen ==
A dolmen is a table-like structure consisting of upright megaliths and a horizontal stone to form the 'table'. Dolmen structures are usually burial sites, and may be referred to as 'portal tomb'.
* Kit's Coty House
* Wayland's Smithy
== Spirits, Guardians, Hosts and Curses ==
Many of these places, likely due to their unknowable nature to local residents throughout history, have mythological reputations, ripe grounds for the imaginations and storytellers. Many are cursed, such as Long Meg and her Daughters, whilst others are protected by supernatural beings, some malevolent like the spriggans, others helpful, like Wayland's SmithyPage 40, Chapter 8: Great Stones in General, . Many stories revolve around the idea that the stones themselves are humans that were turned to stone for some transgression, often for not obeying the SabbathPage 41, Chapter 8: Great Stones in General, . This later tradition will have been devised by Christian mythology of the Medieval PeriodPage 42, Chapter 8: Great Stones in General, .
== References ==
Category:Objects
Category:Buildings