Manhood stones

There is no greater test of manhood for a young boy than to lift up a manhood stone as proof that he has become a man. These great stones are to be found on the outskirts of the settlement where groups of young boys can congregate, goading each other to lift the stones to prove their mettle. Each stone weighs more than a man and can often be of awkward shape and poorly balanced forcing the lifter to deal with its cumbersome shape as well as it's colossal weight. In order for a boy to pass the test of the manhood stones each settlement has a different set of rules governing the circumstances of a pass. Some require that the stone is simply lifted to waist height, others that the stone is thrown over a dyke. The most difficult test is to walk a short distance with the weight held at the waist. All of this must be witnessed by no less than five others who take an oath to swear not to bare false witness of the event.  
Although the manhood stones are a focus of the youth trying to prove they have reached the strength of manhood in truth most men fail to pass the test, only the strongest and the most brutish of men can shift the weight. When a man has lifted the stones he becomes a source of pride amongst the members of his community. When games are held they all encourage him to lift the stones as a show of force and pride of the community. The mans name is remembered as a man of great strength and he is often challenged to lift the manhood stones of other settlements to prove his strength there. In this way men become famous throughout the lands as men of mighty strength and renown.