Around three to five
thousand years ago, an
ancient people began
building stone sites and
monuments on the
Channel Islands,
creating a landscape as rich in mythology as any archaeological site in Greece or Egypt. Since early Christian times, the dolmens (stone chambers) and menhirs (single standing stones) have been reviled as the domain of witches, ghosts, and dragons. They were thought to bring bad luck and sudden death to all who came near. Yet, they have also been cherished as sources of healing, female fertility, good harvests, and buried treasure, as well as the dwelling place of friendly fairies. In this book, the authors recount the terrible fates which have befallen several Channel Islanders who have dared to disturb or destroy these ancient sites. Channel Island mythology is alive and well today, and surviving in local superstition, customs, poetry, art and folklore.
The Pagan Channel Islands uncovers and explores this mythology, and relates it to the ancient wisdom of the stones.
