What is a thunderstone according to folklore, and what was its primary use?

A thunderstone, in folklore, is defined as a prehistoric stone tool, such as a hand axe, or a fossil, that was believed to function as an amulet. These objects were thought to offer protection to individuals or structures.

From where does the name 'thunderstone' originate?

The name 'thunderstone' originates from an ancient belief that these objects were discovered at locations where lightning had struck. This association linked them directly to the power and phenomenon of thunderstorms.

What are the Latin and Greek terms associated with thunderstones, and what do they mean?

Thunderstones were also referred to by the Latin term *ceraunia*. This word is derived from the Greek word *keraunos*, and both terms translate to 'thunderbolt,' reflecting the ancient belief about their origin.

What were the specific beliefs surrounding thunderstones in Albanian tradition regarding their origin and powers?

In Albanian folklore, thunderstones, known locally as *kokrra e rrufesë* or *guri i rejsë*, were believed to be formed during lightning strikes and to fall from the sky. They were considered important cult objects within family life.

How did Albanians believe thunderstones influenced fortune and protection?

Albanians believed that keeping thunderstones in the house would bring good fortune, prosperity, and progress, particularly benefiting livestock and agriculture. It was also thought that owning a thunderstone would make one immune to rifle bullets.

What protective role did thunderstone pendants play in Albanian culture?

Thunderstone pendants were believed to have protective powers against the negative effects of the evil eye. They were used as talismans for the safeguarding of both cattle and pregnant women.

How were thunderstones utilized in the classical world (Greece and Rome) for protection?

In the classical world, specifically from the Hellenistic period onwards, the Greeks and Romans employed Neolithic stone axeheads for apotropaic purposes. These objects were used to protect buildings, serving as a form of magical warding.

What did a survey of prehistoric axes in Romano-British contexts reveal about their association with structures?

A survey conducted in 1985 on prehistoric axes found in Romano-British contexts identified forty examples, of which twenty-nine were discovered in association with buildings. These included villas, military barracks, temples, and kilns, suggesting their use in protecting or consecrating these structures.

What divine significance was attributed to thunderstones during the Middle Ages?

During the Middle Ages, thunderstones were often venerated as divine weapons that had been used to cast out Satan and his forces during the 'war in heaven.' This belief imbued them with significant spiritual and protective power.

What historical examples illustrate the veneration of thunderstones in the Middle Ages?

The veneration of thunderstones in the Middle Ages is exemplified by an 11th-century gift of a 'heaven axe' from a Byzantine emperor to the Holy Roman emperor. Furthermore, in the 12th century, a Bishop of Rennes proclaimed their value as a divinely appointed tool for various protections.

What specific benefits did a 12th-century Bishop of Rennes claim thunderstones provided?

By the 12th century, a Bishop of Rennes asserted that thunderstones were a divinely appointed means for securing success in battle, ensuring safety at sea, providing protection against thunder, and granting immunity from unpleasant dreams.

How were thunderstones viewed and used in Scandinavian folklore?

In Scandinavia, thunderstones were frequently worshipped as family gods believed to ward off spells and witchcraft. Rituals involved pouring beer over them as offerings and occasionally anointing them with butter, signifying reverence and a request for protection.

Describe the Swiss tradition involving thunderstones and storms.

The Swiss tradition involved using a thunderstone as a protective measure against lightning strikes during storms. The owner would whirl the stone on the end of a thong three times around their head and then throw it at the dwelling's door as a storm approached.

What protective qualities were attributed to thunderstones in Italy and for Roman dogs?

In Italy, thunderstones were hung around children's necks to safeguard them from illness and to ward off the evil eye. During Roman times, they were incorporated into dog collars, often alongside a piece of coral, with the belief that this would prevent the dogs from becoming mad.

What protection did thunderstones offer according to Swedish and Limburg traditions?

In Sweden, thunderstones were believed to provide protection against elves. In Limburg, up until the 19th century, it was a common practice to carry thunderstones sewn into cloth bags worn over the chest, as they were thought to alleviate stomach ailments.

How were thunderstones utilized for health and protection in Spain, the French Alps, and among the Slavs?

In parts of Spain, rubbing thunderstones on joints was believed to prevent rheumatic diseases. In the French Alps, they were used to protect sheep, and elsewhere in France, they were thought to ease childbirth. Among Slavic peoples, thunderstones were believed to cure warts on both humans and animals, and during Passion Week, they were thought to reveal hidden treasure.

What were the traditional uses of thunderstones in Asian cultures like Burma, Japan, and Malaysia/Sumatra?

In Asian traditions, thunderstones had various medicinal and practical uses. In Burma, they were employed as both a cure and a preventative measure for appendicitis. In Japan, they were believed to heal boils and ulcers. In Malaysia and Sumatra, thunderstones were used to sharpen the *kris* (a type of dagger), were considered very lucky, and were thought to serve as touchstones for testing the purity of gold.

What belief about flint stones and hawks existed in North Carolina and Alabama?

In North Carolina and Alabama, a belief held that placing flint stones in a fire would prevent hawks from attacking chickens. This practice is thought to be an extension of the European notion that 'elf arrows' offered protection to domestic animals.

How was flint used for divination in Brazil?

In Brazil, flint was utilized as a divining stone, employed to locate gold, hidden treasure, and sources of water.

What role did flint play in the origin myths of the Pawnee and K'iche' peoples?

The Pawnee origin myth attributes the creation of stone weapons and implements to the Morning Star. The K'iche' people of Guatemala have a myth where a flint fell from the sky, shattered into 1600 pieces, with each piece becoming a deity; their god of fire, Tohil, is specifically represented by flint.

How did Cherokee shamans and Pueblo societies utilize flint?

Cherokee shamans invoked flint during healing rituals, specifically when preparing to scarify a patient before administering medicine. Among the Pueblo peoples, flint societies played significant roles, often focusing on weather control and combating witchcraft, but also sometimes engaging in matters of warfare and medicine.

What fossils were commonly identified as thunderstones in southern England, and what was their perceived origin?

In southern England, particularly until the mid-19th century, fossil echinoids were frequently called 'thunderstones.' Other fossils like belemnites and sometimes ammonites were also given this name. The belief was that these objects descended from the heavens during thunderstorms.

What observations did Robert Plot make about thunderstones in Oxfordshire in his 1677 book?

Robert Plot, the first keeper of the Ashmolean Museum, documented in his 1677 book, *The Natural History of Oxfordshire*, that fossil echinoids in Oxfordshire were known as thunderstones. He noted the prevailing belief that these stones originated from the heavens, falling during thunderstorms.

How does the St. Peter's Church in Linkenholt exemplify the persistence of thunderstone folklore in England?

The St. Peter's Church in Linkenholt, built in 1871, incorporated fossil echinoids into its walls around the windows, a practice carried over from its predecessor which had stood for approximately 700 years. This architectural continuity suggests that thunderstone folklore persisted in England for at least seven centuries, likely originating from pagan traditions.

What was the belief regarding fossil echinoids placed on windowsills in Sussex, England?

In Sussex, during the early 20th century, fossil echinoids were placed on the exterior windowsills of kitchens and dairies. This practice was intended to prevent milk from spoiling, based on the folk belief that thunder could sour milk.

What historical example illustrates the continued belief in the magical properties of stone hatchets in the 17th century?

A notable example of continued belief in thunderstones occurred in the 17th century when a French ambassador presented a stone hatchet, believed to have healing properties, to the Prince-Bishop of Verdun. This artifact is still preserved in the museum at Nancy.

How did Andrew Dickson White view the scientific explanation of thunderstones in relation to theological views?

Andrew Dickson White characterized the scientific discovery of the true origin of thunderstones as a progression of observation and thought that was ultimately 'fatal to the theological view.' This suggests he saw the scientific explanation as undermining traditional, religiously-based interpretations.

What was Michael Mercati's hypothesis regarding thunderstones, and when was his work published?

Michael Mercati hypothesized in the late 16th century that thunderstones were actually weapons or tools created by early human races. His book detailing this theory was published in the early 18th century, around the same time other scholars began exploring similar ideas.

What key observation did Antoine de Jussieu make to the French Academy regarding stone implements?

Antoine de Jussieu presented to the French Academy that stone weapons and implements brought back by travelers from different parts of the world bore a strong resemblance to objects previously identified as thunderstones in Europe. This observation suggested a common, human-made origin rather than a supernatural one.

How did Joseph-Francois Lafitau's work contribute to the nascent field of ethnography?

Joseph-Francois Lafitau published research demonstrating significant similarities between the customs of indigenous peoples living in various parts of the world during his time and the customs of early European inhabitants. This comparative approach, alongside Jussieu's work, marked the beginning of the science of ethnography.

What societal shift, following the French Revolution of 1830, facilitated the scientific acceptance of human antiquity?

The political climate in Europe after the French Revolution of 1830 became less dominated by religious dogma, allowing for a more objective examination of archaeological evidence. This shift enabled the scientific community to accept the conclusion that human history extended over a far longer period than previously accepted by Christian theology.

What was the initial reception of Boucher de Perthes' findings on prehistoric flint implements?

Boucher de Perthes initially faced a 'conspiracy of silence' in France regarding his discoveries of prehistoric flint implements. Subsequently, he encountered strong, dismissive opposition from established scientists, most notably Elie de Beaumont.

What specific book by Charles Lyell was instrumental in discrediting the thunderstone myth?

Charles Lyell's 1863 book, titled *Geological Evidences of the Antiquity of Man*, played a crucial role in discrediting the thunderstone myth. This publication presented scientific arguments that challenged the supernatural explanations previously associated with these artifacts.

What is depicted in the article's image of Lower Paleolithic bifaces?

The article includes an image that depicts two bifaces, which are stone tools characteristic of the Lower Paleolithic period.

What does the image of axe heads from Switzerland illustrate about Neolithic production?

An image in the article displays axe heads discovered at a Neolithic manufacturing site in Switzerland, dating back to 2700 BC. The arrangement of these axe heads from left to right shows the different stages involved in their production.

Who is featured in one of the article's images, and why is he significant?

The article features an image of Boucher de Perthes, a significant figure in the scientific investigation that challenged the traditional thunderstone mythology by presenting evidence for the human origin of these artifacts.

What specific belief about thunderstones and milk spoilage existed in Sussex, England?

In Sussex, during the early 20th century, it was believed that placing fossil echinoids (known as thunderstones) on the windowsills of kitchens and dairies would prevent milk from spoiling. This belief stemmed from the notion that thunder itself could sour milk.

What connection did Joseph-Francois Lafitau establish between ancient European inhabitants and contemporary indigenous peoples?

Joseph-Francois Lafitau established a connection by demonstrating that the customs of indigenous peoples living in various parts of the world during his time were similar to those of the early inhabitants of Europe. This comparative study was foundational to the field of ethnography.

What was the primary focus of Pueblo flint societies?

The primary concerns of flint societies among the Pueblo peoples typically revolved around weather control and combating witchcraft. However, in some tribes, these societies also played roles in matters of warfare and medicine.

What did Robert Plot's book *The Natural History of Oxfordshire* record about the origin of thunderstones?

Robert Plot's *The Natural History of Oxfordshire*, published in 1677, recorded that fossil echinoids in Oxfordshire were known as thunderstones. He noted the prevailing belief that these stones originated from the heavens, falling during thunderstorms.

What specific protective powers were attributed to thunderstone pendants in Albanian tradition?

In Albanian tradition, thunderstone pendants were specifically believed to offer protection against the malevolent influence of the evil eye. They were employed as talismans for the safeguarding of both cattle and pregnant women.

How did the Greeks and Romans use Neolithic stone axeheads for protection?

From the Hellenistic period onwards, the Greeks and Romans utilized Neolithic stone axeheads for apotropaic purposes, meaning they were used for magical protection. These artifacts were specifically employed to safeguard buildings.

What was the significance of Boucher de Perthes' discovery of flint implements near Abbeville, France?

Boucher de Perthes' discovery of thousands of flint implements and weapons in the drift beds near Abbeville, France, and his subsequent publication in *Celtic and Antediluvian Antiquities* in 1847, provided significant evidence for the existence of early human populations and their tool-making capabilities, challenging prevailing views.

What specific health ailments were thunderstones believed to treat in Italy, Spain, and among the Slavs?

Thunderstones were associated with treating various ailments across different cultures. In Italy, they were believed to protect children from general illness. In the Spanish province of Salamanca, rubbing them on joints was thought to prevent rheumatic diseases. Among Slavic peoples, they were believed to cure warts affecting both humans and animals.

What were the perceived functions of thunderstones in Malaysia and Sumatra?

In Malaysia and Sumatra, thunderstones served multiple purposes: they were used for sharpening the *kris* (a type of dagger), were regarded as highly fortunate objects, and were believed to function as touchstones for assaying the purity of gold.

What is the connection between flint stones, hawks, and chickens in North Carolina and Alabama folklore?

Folklore in North Carolina and Alabama suggested that placing flint stones in a fire would deter hawks from attacking chickens. This belief is thought to be linked to older European traditions where 'elf arrows' were believed to protect domestic animals.

What specific beliefs about flint's divinatory powers are recorded in Brazil?

In Brazil, flint was employed as a divining stone, believed to aid in locating valuable resources such as gold and hidden treasure, as well as sources of water.

What was the significance of the 'heaven axe' gifted by the Byzantine emperor in the 11th century?

The 'heaven axe' gifted by the Byzantine emperor to the Holy Roman emperor in the 11th century represented the veneration of thunderstones as divine weapons used in the celestial battle against Satan, reflecting medieval beliefs about their power.

What did Antoine de Jussieu present to the French Academy regarding the origin of thunderstones?

Antoine de Jussieu presented to the French Academy that stone weapons and implements brought back by travelers from different parts of the world bore a strong resemblance to objects previously identified as thunderstones in Europe. This observation suggested a common, human-made origin rather than a supernatural one.

What was the initial scientific reaction to Boucher de Perthes' work on prehistoric antiquities?

Boucher de Perthes initially faced a 'conspiracy of silence' and later strong, dismissive opposition from established scientists, such as Elie de Beaumont, regarding his discoveries of prehistoric flint implements.

How did Charles Lyell's book *Geological Evidences of the Antiquity of Man* impact the thunderstone myth?

Charles Lyell's 1863 book, *Geological Evidences of the Antiquity of Man*, significantly discredited the thunderstone myth by presenting scientific arguments that challenged supernatural explanations and supported the concept of human antiquity.

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What is a Thunderstone?

Definition and Origin

A thunderstone refers to a prehistoric artifact, typically a hand axe, stone tool, or fossil, revered as an amulet. Its name originates from the ancient belief that these objects were discovered at sites struck by lightning.^[1] The term is derived from Latin ceraunia, itself stemming from the Greek word keraunos, both meaning 'thunderbolt'.^[2]^[3]

Types of Thunderstones

While the term broadly encompasses objects believed to possess celestial power, it most commonly refers to:

Prehistoric Stone Tools: Such as hand axes and other implements from the Lower Paleolithic era, often found in archaeological contexts.^[6]
Fossils: Particularly fossil echinoids, but also belemnites and ammonites, which were sometimes mistaken for objects fallen from the sky.^[2]

Ancient Beliefs

Across various cultures, thunderstones were considered potent amulets. They were believed to offer protection to individuals, households, and even livestock. Their perceived origin from the sky imbued them with supernatural qualities, linking them to divine power and protection against natural and supernatural threats.^[4]

European Traditions

Albanian Lore

Albanians held thunderstones (kokrra e rrufesë or guri i rrejtë) in high regard, believing they formed during lightning strikes and fell from the heavens. These were preserved as vital cult objects within families, thought to bring good fortune, prosperity, and agricultural success. They were also believed to offer protection against rifle bullets and the evil eye, serving as talismans for cattle and pregnant women.^[4]^[5]

Classical World

In the Hellenistic and Roman periods, Neolithic stone axeheads were employed for apotropaic purposes, safeguarding buildings. Archaeological surveys in Romano-British contexts reveal numerous instances of these axes found associated with significant structures like villas, military barracks, and temples.^[6]

Medieval Beliefs

During the Middle Ages, thunderstones were venerated as celestial weapons used in the mythical "war in heaven" against Satan. Historical accounts mention gifts of "heaven axes" between emperors and bishops, with some clergy asserting their divine efficacy in battle, maritime safety, and protection against thunder and nightmares.^[7]

Wider European Folklore

Across Europe, thunderstones were integrated into diverse folk practices:

Scandinavia: Worshipped as household deities warding off spells and witchcraft, with offerings of beer.
Switzerland: Used in rituals during storms to protect dwellings from lightning strikes.
Italy: Hung around children's necks for protection against illness and the evil eye; incorporated into dog collars to prevent madness.
Sweden: Believed to offer protection against elves.
Limburg: Carried in cloth bags over the chest for soothing stomach ailments (up to the 19th century).
Spain (Salamanca): Used to alleviate rheumatic pain when rubbed on joints.
French Alps: Employed to protect sheep.
France (elsewhere): Thought to ease childbirth.
Slavic Cultures: Used to cure warts and, during Passion Week, to reveal hidden treasures.

Asian Traditions

Burma (Myanmar)

In Burma, thunderstones were utilized as remedies and preventative measures against appendicitis.^[9]

Japan

In Japan, these artifacts were believed to possess healing properties, used to treat boils and ulcers.^[9]

Malaysia and Sumatra

In these regions, thunderstones served practical and mystical purposes. They were used for sharpening the traditional kris dagger, considered highly auspicious objects, and were even credited with functioning as touchstones for verifying the purity of gold.^[9]

North American Traditions

General Beliefs

In parts of North America, such as North Carolina and Alabama, flint stones placed near a fire were thought to deter hawks from preying on chickens. This practice likely echoes the European folklore surrounding elf arrows, which were believed to protect domestic animals.^[9]

Brazil

In Brazil, flint was employed as a divining tool, used to locate sources of gold, hidden treasures, and water.^[9]

Native American Folklore

Flint artifacts held significant spiritual importance for numerous Native American tribes:

Pawnee: Their origin myths attribute the creation of stone weapons and tools to the Morning Star.
K'iche' (Guatemala): A myth recounts a flint falling from the sky, shattering into 1600 divine fragments, with the god Tohil, giver of fire, represented by flint. This parallels the worship of Jupiter in the form of a flint stone.
Cherokee: Shamans invoked flint during ritual scarification procedures prior to administering medicine.
Pueblos: Societies dedicated to flint played roles in weather control, combating witchcraft, and sometimes in warfare and healing practices.

Fossils as Thunderstones

Southern England

Until the mid-19th century, fossil echinoids were commonly known as 'thunderstones' in southern England. Belemnites and, less frequently, ammonites were also identified as such.^[2]

Historical Accounts

Robert Plot, in his 1677 work The Natural History of Oxfordshire, documented the belief that these fossil echinoids descended from the heavens during thunderstorms. The enduring nature of this folklore is evidenced by St. Peter's Church in Linkenholt, England, which incorporated fossil echinoids into its structure, reflecting traditions potentially dating back 700 years to pagan roots.^[10]

Practical Applications

In early 20th-century Sussex, fossil echinoids were placed on kitchen and dairy windowsills, believed to prevent milk from souring, a superstition linked to the belief that thunder itself could spoil dairy products.^[2]

Decline of Thunderstone Mythology

Early Scientific Inquiry

The understanding of thunderstones began shifting with early scientific investigations. Michael Mercati, in the late 16th century, proposed they were human implements, though his findings were published later. Antoine de Jussieu presented findings to the French Academy in 1723, demonstrating the similarity between thunderstones and contemporary stone tools brought by travelers. Joseph-Francois Lafitau further supported this in 1724, linking these artifacts to ethnographic observations.^[11]

Archaeological Advancements

The mid-19th century marked a significant turning point. Jacques Boucher de Perthes published his seminal work in 1847, presenting evidence of flint implements from ancient drift beds. Initially met with resistance, his findings, alongside Charles Lyell's influential 1863 book Geological Evidences of the Antiquity of Man, provided compelling scientific support for human antiquity, further discrediting the mythological explanations.^[12]

Shifting Paradigms

Andrew Dickson White noted that the scientific elucidation of thunderstones' origins was "fatal to the theological view." The post-French Revolution era fostered an environment more conducive to objective archaeological investigation, allowing for the acceptance of evidence for human history far exceeding traditional religious timelines.^[12]

Related Concepts

Further Exploration

The study of thunderstones intersects with several related concepts in folklore and archaeology:

Elfshot
Elf-arrow
Projectile point
Arrowhead
Stone tool
*Perkūnos

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References

Leach, Maria. ""Flint"." Funk & Wagnalls Standard Dictionary of Folklore, Mythology, and Legend. 3rd ed. New York, New York: Funk and Wagnalls, 1972. Print.

A full list of references for this article are available at the Thunderstone (folklore) Wikipedia page

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Important Notice

This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date. Folklore and historical beliefs are complex and subject to interpretation.

This is not academic or historical advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for scholarly research or consultation with experts in folklore, archaeology, or anthropology. Always consult primary sources and academic literature for in-depth study.

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Echoes of the Sky

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

What is a Thunderstone? ℹ️

🗿 Definition and Origin

⚡ Types of Thunderstones

📜 Ancient Beliefs

European Traditions 🏛️

🇦🇱 Albanian Lore

🏛️ Classical World

⚔️ Medieval Beliefs

🌍 Wider European Folklore

Asian Traditions 🌏

🇧🇲 Burma (Myanmar)

🇯🇵 Japan

🇲🇾 Malaysia and Sumatra

North American Traditions 🦅

🇺🇸 General Beliefs

🇧🇷 Brazil

⭐ Native American Folklore

Fossils as Thunderstones 🐚

🇬🇧 Southern England

📜 Historical Accounts

🥛 Practical Applications

Decline of Thunderstone Mythology ⏳

👨‍🔬 Early Scientific Inquiry

🌍 Archaeological Advancements

⚖️ Shifting Paradigms

Related Concepts 🔗

💡 Further Exploration

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

What is a Thunderstone?

Definition and Origin

Types of Thunderstones

Ancient Beliefs

European Traditions

Albanian Lore

Classical World

Medieval Beliefs

Wider European Folklore

Asian Traditions

Burma (Myanmar)

Japan

Malaysia and Sumatra

North American Traditions

General Beliefs

Brazil

Native American Folklore

Fossils as Thunderstones

Southern England

Historical Accounts

Practical Applications

Decline of Thunderstone Mythology

Early Scientific Inquiry

Archaeological Advancements

Shifting Paradigms

Related Concepts

Further Exploration

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice