INTRODUCTION 



which was transformed into a chapel about the 

 twelfth century. Similar transformations have 

 been made in Spain. In many cases, too, crosses 

 have been placed or engraved on menhirs in order 

 to " Christianize " them. 



Remarkable powers and virtues have been 

 attributed to many of the monuments. One of 

 the dolmens of Finistere is said to cure rheumatism 

 in anyone who rubs against the loftiest of its 

 stones, "and another heals fever patients who sleep 

 under it. Stones with holes pierced in them are 

 believed to be peculiarly effective, and it suffices 

 to pass the diseased limb or, when possible, the 

 invalid himself through the hole. 



Oaths sworn in or near a megalithic monument 

 have a peculiar sanctity. In Scotland as late as 

 the year a.d. 1438 " John off Erwyne and Will 

 Bernardson swor on the Hirdmane Stein before 

 oure Lorde ye Erie off Orknay and the gentiless 

 off the cuntre." 



Many of the monuments are endowed by the 

 credulous with life. The menhir du Champ Dolent 

 sinks an inch every hundred years. Others say 

 that a piece of it is eaten by the moon each night, 

 and that when it is completely devoured the Last 

 Judgment will take place. The stones of Carnac 

 bathe in the sea once a year, and many of those 

 of the Perigord leap three times each day at noon. 



We have already remarked on the connection 

 of the monuments with dwarfs, giants, and mythi- 



13 



