Grace Hammen -- Midmar Stone Circle

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       Image result for midmar stone circle Sacred places can be both completely unique or consistently uniform. 
Such is the characterization of the Stone Circles - or “Druid Circles” - that are found across the world. In popular media, they are often recognized as an important part of Celtic mythology or history, regardless of the scruples of their original purpose. Yet, these circles are found all across Europe - due mostly to expansion - and some have even recently been discovered within the borders of our own America. However, despite the diversity in location, the circles I focused on are situated in the Scottish lowlands of Aberdeenshire. 
This particular circle is known as the Midmar Stones Circle, and it is peculiarly juxtaposed with the backyard of the Parish Kirk in which it resides. The Midmar circle is identified by it’s 17 meter radius and its commonly perceived “fangs” that loom on either side of the long recumbent stone facing the church. This circle was associated even more so than others with demons and paganism because of the way the stones were laid out, and therefore the decision about building the parish right next to it has been heavily questioned. Perhaps the church elders believed they could stomp out any anti-catholic movements by proving their faith would triumph over protistant cultures.
While the Midmar Stone Circle does not have a specific myth about it, it fortunately resides among a group of largely speculated phenomena of which there is a plentiful amount of information circulating. Stone circles are important pieces of history, especially within Celtic Mythology and Folklore. According to James Ritchie - an expert within the field of Celtic Mythology - there are a plethora of reasons these circles are regarded with weariness and reverence. Through his research he has claimed that some of the most regarded reasons for the mystification surrounding these monuments are the following:


  1. The Influence of Good and Evil Spirits   
  2. The Notion of Worship
  3. The Idea of Buried Treasure
  4. Human Associates 
  5. Animal Associates

The real question, then, is why this circle, and others like it are so revered? Is it because of the feeling one gets from the attachment to their history, or is there something else; something sublime about them? 

From James Ritchie's Journal on " Folklore of the Aberdeenshire Stone Circles and Standing Stones"

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