Standing Stones of Giltharin
The Standing Stones of Giltharin are a collection of tall engraved stones arranged in a circle thought to date back to the very earliest days of Verrin, perhaps even before Dwarves, Elves and Giants had come into contact with one another.
Although primitive in their construction, these stones are remarkable because of their almost impossible placement- they are located on a plateau overlooking a beatiful mountain valley in the Dwarven realm of Gil-Miond. Only accessible by a treacherous narrow path, it remains a mystery how the Dwarves of yore transported these colossal stones to the mountain's summit.
Of the seven stones that make up the circle, each are ornately engraved with patterns and designs. Five of the stones depict the gods of the Alwealda, but the other two are much harder to interpret. The easternmost stone shows a great tree with a multitude of figures gathered around its trunk, and flames burning amongst its leaves. The westernmost standing stone depicts the sky, showing accurate constellations as well as the sun and moon. In the centre of the image, five figures are shown riding horses and holding long blades in their right hands.
The stones are of great religious and cultural importance to the Dwarves, especially those of Gil-Miond. Many Dwarves make pilgrimages outside their mountain keeps to visit the stones as a tribute to the gods as well as their forefathers. It is tradition to lay flowers of a different kind at the foot of each stone, and gathering the flowers on the path to the stones is considered a crucial part of the pilgrimage. To reach the summit without the required flowers is said to bring bad luck and ill favour with the gods whose flowers were forgotten. The pilgrimage is often made before a long journey or before going to war as a plea for good fortune.
The Giltharin standing stones are also used for funeral and wedding rites, especially those of kings and the upper nobility.
Type
Monument, Large
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