Uncovering the Secrets of the Menhir of Kerloas

Transcript

00:00Have you ever wondered what secrets the ancient stones of Europe hold?

00:04Imagine a single piece of rock, taller than a house, standing silently for thousands of years.

00:10Welcome to the Manhair of Querua, one of the most fascinating and tallest standing stone in France.

00:17The Manhair of Querua is located near the village of Plourazelle in the region of Britannique,

00:23France. It is believed to date back to the Neolithic period, which means it was raised

00:29around 4,000 to 5,000 years ago. This impressive monument is about 9.5 meters, about 31 feet tall,

00:37above the ground and it is estimated to weigh over 100 tons. Originally, it was even taller,

00:44possibly around 12 meters, but the top was damaged, possibly struck by lightning in the past.

00:50This ancient stone is made of granite, a very strong and heavy rock. What makes it even more

00:57interesting is that it has two small bumps or protrusions carved near its middle. In local

01:03legends, these bumps were believed to have magical powers. In fact, young couples used to rub their

01:10bellies against a stone, hoping for good luck and fatality in marriage. Such stories add a mystical

01:16charm to the monument. No one knows for sure why the Manhair was placed there. Some believe it marked a

01:23sacred site or had religious meaning. Other thinks it may have been a territorial marker or a gathering

01:30place for ancient people. Whatever the reason, it shows how skilled and determined prehistoric humans

01:37were. Imagine moving and raising such a giant stone without modern machines, just ropes, wooden rollers

01:44and teamwork. Today, the Manhair of Keroua still stands proudly in an open field, surrounded by peaceful

01:51countryside. It has become a symbol of mystery and heritage for the region. Visitors come from all

01:58over to see this mighty stone and feel the connection with the deep past. What sets this Manhair apart are

02:06the two hemispherical protrusions carved near its base, each about 12 centimeters in diameter. These

02:13features have led some to interpret the stone as a phallic symbol, possibly linked to fertility rituals.

02:20Additionally, the Manhair bears seven cup marks and two engraved crosses, visible under certain

02:26lightening conditions, suggesting it may have had religious or ceremonial significance. Local legends

02:33tell of young couples visiting the Manhair at night, rubbing their bodies against it to ensure

02:38fertility and a happy marriage. Such practices highlight the stone's role in community traditions

02:44and beliefs. Some tales even suggest that the Manhair possesses the ability to grow or conceal treasures,

02:51adding to its mystical attraction. The Manhair of Kerala has been acknowledged in various historical

02:58accounts since the 18th century. In 1883, it was officially classified as a monument historique

03:06by the French government, ensuring its protection and preservation for future generations. Standing

03:13amidst the serene Breton landscape, the Manhair of Kerala is more than just an ancient stone,

03:20it's a silent story-teller connecting us to the life's belief and ingenuity of Neolithic ancestors.

03:27Visiting this monumental structure offers a profound appreciation for the rich tapestry of human history

03:34etched into the stones of our past. So next time you think of ancient wonders, don't forget this

03:40quiet giant standing in Brittany. The Manhair of Kerala is more than just a stone, it's a timeless

03:47link between our modern life and the distant whispers of prehistoric times.

03:52If you like this video, please comment, share and subscribe.

03:54Thanks for watching.