Lifting stone#Scotland

Icelandic stonelifting roots have an ancient history going back to {{circa|874|lk=yes}}{{nbsp}}– 1056,{{cite web |url=https://fjorntheskald.com/sagas-and-tales-of-icelanders/ |title=The Sagas and Tales of Icelanders |website=www.fjorntheskald.com |publisher=Steven T. Dunn ("Fjörn") |access-date=4 May 2025}} with sagas about Orm Storolfsson, Finnbogi and Grettir Ásmundarson.{{cite journal |url=https://www.academia.edu/35717654/Gogosz_R_Hver_er_sterkastr_The_Sports_and_Games_of_the_Northmen_in_the_Middle_Ages_Role_Rules_and_Aspects_Study_with_the_Special_Focus_on_Saga_Age_Iceland |journal= Faculty of Sociology and History, University of Rzeszów |year= 2016 |volume= 1 |issue= 1 |pages= 161–167 |title= Hver er sterkastr? The sports and games of the Northmen in the middle ages. Role, rules and aspects: study with the special focus on saga-age Iceland |first= REMIGIUSZ |last= GOGOSZ |pmid= |archive-url= |archive-date= |url-status= }} Chronicles around 16th century state that lifting stones were traditionally used to qualify men for work on Icelandic fishing boats. Centuries ago, when approximately sixty fishing boats were operating, it required a practical way to quickly test whether someone was capable of working as a crew member. The stones not only became the formal interview but also sorted them to ranks. The ultimate objective was to reach "fullsterkur" status, by lifting the heaviest stone, proving the man is 'fully strong'. Some famous Icelandic lifting stones are described below.{{cite web|url=https://www.roguefitness.com/theindex/documentaries/fullsterkur |title=FULLSTERKUR |publisher=Rogue fitness |access-date=2022-04-06}}

{{main|Húsafell Stone}}

File:Húsafell Stone.png

The most famous legendary lifting stone in the world is the Húsafell Stone, named after the west country farming estate where it is located, about 132 km north east from Reykjavík. The iconic triangular-shaped stone which weighs {{convert|186|kg|lb|abbr=on|0|}} is said to have been crafted from a large rock, back in 1756, by a local pastor named Snorri Björnsson. Nicknamed the 'Kviahellan' (pen slab) by Snorri, he used it as the gate to his sheep and goat pen, ensuring the animals remain in the pen without escaping. The stone has since been used by strongmen as a test of strength.{{cite web |title=The historic walk through Húsafell |publisher=Húsafell Tourist Services |url=http://www.husafell.is/english/activity/hiking/a-historic-walk-through-husafell |access-date=2019-03-18 |archive-date=2017-11-20 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171120065539/http://www.husafell.is/english/activity/hiking/a-historic-walk-through-husafell/ |url-status=dead }}

According to Icelandic folklore, there are three levels to which your physical strength is measured by the stone. In ascending capacity they are amlóði, hálfsterkur and fullsterkur. Someone who could break the floor with the stone (lift the stone from the ground) which is already a substantial feat of strength, is called lazybones (amlóði in Icelandic), while anyone who could squat down, lap and lift it up to their waist level would be considered half-strong (hálfsterkur in Icelandic). However, for the iconic Icelandic full-strong status (fullsterkur in Icelandic), a person should lift it up to their chest, stand with it and walk it around the approximately 34 metre (112 ft) perimeter for a full 360° revolution around the sheep and goat pen.{{cite web |last=Sigmundsson |first=Svavar |date=June 2006 |title=Aflraunasteinar |trans-title=Icelandic Lifting Stones |language=is |publisher=Árni Magnússon Institute for Icelandic Studies |url=https://www.arnastofnun.is/page/ornefnapistlar_aflraunasteinar |access-date=15 September 2019}} This final level can only be achieved by someone with extreme physical strength, stamina and endurance as hoisting the massive stone on to the chest while standing compresses the thorax and decreases lung capacity significantly.

File:Djupalonsandur stones in Iceland.JPG

At the tip of the west coast, on Djúpalónssandur beach at the foot of Snæfellsjökull, at the western end of the Snæfellsnes peninsula, lies four legendary stones called Dritvík stones which dates back to the 14th century. Historically, the sailors who rowed out from this port were asked to lift each stone onto a natural plinth called 'Stallurinn', to prove their worth to be a ship's crew member and also to decide their ranks and share of the catch. For example, to qualify as an oarsman a man would have to lift the hálfdrættingur onto the plinth, hoisting the hálfsterkur would make you a 'steersman' (second in command) and the fullsterkur would make you 'skipari' (master of the boat). The plinth had been around waist height, but throughout centuries almost all of it is now buried beneath the dark sand. Today, lifters prefer to lift the stones up to chest level and stand tall with them for a good lift.{{cite web |title=Dritvík stones|url=https://liftingstones.org/articles/dritvik_stones|access-date=September 2, 2024|work=www.liftingstones.org |date=August 8, 2010}}

The four stones are classified as:

• Amlóði (hamlet or "weakling" ) at {{convert|23|kg|lb|abbr=on|0|}}
• Hálfdrættingur ("half-carrier") at {{convert|54|kg|lb|abbr=on|0|}}
• Hálfsterkur ("half strength") at {{convert|100|kg|lb|abbr=on|0|}}
• Fullsterkur ("full strength") at {{convert|154|kg|lb|abbr=on|0|}}

Located in the Látravík cove at the westernmost point of the Westfjords region, the Judas Stone earned its name more than a century ago, when local farmers repeatedly tried to use it in the construction of a wall, only to have it 'betray' them like Judas by always slipping out of place due to its unbalanced nature. The stone weighs {{convert|127|kg|lb|abbr=on|0|}}.

Also located in the Westfjords region between Tálknafjörður and Bíldudalur in the famous seabird cliffs are four stones called Latra Stones. For many generations, local fishermen used them to stay fit and to gain bragging rights in their little time on dry land.{{cite web |title=Icelandic Lifting Stones|url=https://sffitzpatrick.github.io/lis786-demo/|access-date=September 2, 2024|work=Sffitz Patrick |date=July 11, 2019}} Like the Dritvík Stones, there is a hierarchy based on their size: {{convert|96|kg|lb|abbr=on|0|}}, {{convert|107|kg|lb|abbr=on|0|}}, {{convert|144|kg|lb|abbr=on|0|}}, and the heaviest of the four: {{convert|177|kg|lb|abbr=on|0|}} which is called the 'Alsterkur'.

There is also an additional fifth stone called the 'Klofi stone' weighing {{convert|200|kg|lb|abbr=on|0|}}.

The heaviest of Iceland's natural lifting stones is the {{convert|281.5|kg|lb|abbr=on|0|}} Brynjólfstak, which is a 1.5 meter long basalt located near Tálknafjörður in the Westfjords region. Legend says that the stone was first pulled from the sea in 1845, when a mighty farmer named Brynjólfur Eggertsson asked four of the strongest men in the area to lift the giant slab on to his shoulders. From there, Brynjólfur is said to have attached the stone to him with straps and carried it uphill, to the nearby ridge where it is currently located. The stone has since been named in his honor as Brynjólfstak (Brynjólfur's finger) due to the elongated shape of the stone.{{cite web |title=Brynjólfstak|url=https://liftingstones.org/articles/brynjolfstak|access-date=September 2, 2024|work=www.liftingstones.org |date=December 5, 2012}}

This smooth and pillar-like stone is said to mark the spot where an unfortunate farmer made a pact with the devil. As the story goes, the lazy farmer wanted a fast track to an easier, more prosperous life, so the devil offered him his dream if he could simply complete one task: lifting the {{convert|220|kg|lb|abbr=on|0|}} Leggstein. It is located in the middle of the Westfjords region in Heydalur near Reykjanes. The legend says the farmer is buried under the massive plinth near the stone, to be carried around the plinth for several revolutions for his salvation.

In front of the Dynjandi waterfall in the Westfjords lies a black slate stone known as the Petursstein (Petur's stone) weighing {{convert|175|kg|lb|abbr=on|0|}}.{{cite web |title=Icelandic lifting stone locations|url=https://liftingstones.org/articles/icelandic_stone_locations|access-date=September 2, 2024|work=www.liftingstones.org |date=January 7, 2013}} It is to be lapped and hoisted on to a large plinth. The stone was named after Pètur Gudmundsson and was at least {{convert|15|kg|lb|abbr=on|0|}} heavier back in the day before a piece of it broke off.

Located at Árbæjarsafn open-air museum in Reykjavík, are two sets of stones collectively known as the Arbaer Stones. First set is a collection of eight natural stones which are to be either lapped or lifted to chest height. The lightest weighs {{convert|81|kg|lb|abbr=on|0|}} and the heaviest two weigh {{convert|130|kg|lb|abbr=on|0|}} and {{convert|143|kg|lb|abbr=on|0|}}. Second set contains two very heavy rectangularly carved man made stones with iron handles fixed to them. The lighter of the two weighs {{convert|254|kg|lb|abbr=on|0|}}, and heavier one weighs {{convert|304|kg|lb|abbr=on|0|}}.

At 'Mountain Villa' cabin at Flúðir are six natural stones whose formation dates back to the Pleistocene epoch. The stones originated as Magma which hurled red hot from Snæfellsjökull volcanic crater 4,800 ft above sea level. Throughout centuries, gravity pulled them down to the shore where North Atlantic waves continued to shape and polish them. Despite the sixth and final stone weighs {{convert|118|kg|lb|abbr=on|0|}}, the first three of them are light and are meant for children to start their stone-lifting. They are to be lifted onto a hexagonal basalt column.{{cite web |title=Fludir Stones - Images #47 and #48|url=https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/54068831?source_impression_id=p3_1725268105_P3m9gf9gqq6uUGpn&modal=PHOTO_TOUR_SCROLLABLE|access-date=September 2, 2024|work=Mountain Villa, Flúðir, Iceland|date=June 4, 2023}}

• Bessasteinn - 4 stones weighing up to {{convert|90|kg|lb|abbr=on|0|}}
• Brúarásskóli stone - {{convert|130|kg|lb|abbr=on|0|}}
• Engjasteinar (Meadow stone) - 3 stones
• Haukadalur (Hawk-valley stone)
• Hestastein at Laufas turf house
• Myrdalssandur - 3 stones
• Pakgil stones - 3 stones
• Porsteinshaf sea stone/ Hero stone
• Sjómannagarðurinn (Fisherman's park stone)
• Vegatorfustein

In Scotland, lifting stones were used throughout generations as a tests of strength. 'Clach cuid fir' which is Gaelic for 'manhood stones' were used for young men to welcome into manhood when they were able to lift their clan's testing stone to waist height.{{cite web |url=http://www.halfsquare.net/shetler_112306.php |title=The Art of Stone Lifting: Nature's Gym - by Scott Shetler |access-date=2011-10-25 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110723142102/http://www.halfsquare.net/shetler_112306.php |archive-date=2011-07-23 }} The traditional stone put is also a famous sport in ancient Scotland. Some famous Scottish lifting stones are described below.

===Scottish lifting stones===

{{main|Dinnie Stones}}

File:Dinnie Stanes, Potarch Hotel. - geograph.org.uk - 110060.jpg

The most famous among Scotland's legendary lifting stones are the Dinnie Stones. They are a pair of stones with metal rings fixed to each, located in Potarch, Aberdeenshire and made famous by strongman Donald Dinnie.{{cite web |title=The Dinnie Stones: The Ultimate Challenge |last=Shanks |first=Steven |website=ThedinnieStones.com |url=http://www.thedinniestones.com/ |access-date=12 February 2019}} Weighing {{convert|332.5|kg|lb|abbr=on|0|}} combined, the heavier stone weighs {{convert|188|kg|lb|abbr=on|0|}} and the lighter stone weighs {{convert|144.5|kg|lb|abbr=on|0|}}. They were selected in the 1830s as counterweights for use in maintaining the Potarch Bridge. Lost following World War I, they were rediscovered in 1953 by David P. Webster. Strongmen lift the stones off the ground (also known as putting the wind under the stones) and also carry them or hold them for time as measures to check strength in different ways. The ultimate challenge is to replicate the 1860 performance of Donald Dinnie, by walking the original stones (heavier stone to be gripped from the front and the lighter stone from the back) over the historical Potarch Bridge distance of {{convert|17|ft|1+1/2|in|m|sigfig=3|abbr=on}}. Another contemporary feat of strength is to pick up the stones from the sides and walk them in a farmers walk style carry. Lifting and holding the stones up unassisted without the use of lifting straps is widely regarded as a world class feat of grip strength.

There's also 'Nicol Stones' which are meant to be a stepping stone towards the Dinnies, weighing {{convert|138|kg|lb|abbr=on|0|}} and {{convert|114|kg|lb|abbr=on|0|}} for a combined {{convert|252|kg|lb|abbr=on|0|}}.http://www.thedinniestones.com/Photo%20Gallery/Dinnie%20Steens%20Weight%20Cert%202014.pdf {{Bare URL PDF|date=March 2022}}

====Inver Stone====

A {{convert|118|kg|lb|abbr=on|0|}} (originally weighed {{convert|120|kg|lb|abbr=on|0|}}) granite stone, naturally made into an oval shape due to fast flowing waters of River Dee.{{cite web |title=Inver Stone|url=https://liftingstones.org/articles/inver_stone|access-date=September 2, 2024|work=www.liftingstones.org |date=August 9, 2011}} Dating back to the 18th century, it was used to measure corn and wheat and sat outside of Inver Cottage from the early 20th century until 2021 where it was relocated to the Braemar Highland Games Centre.[https://archive.today/20130120035937/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1095572/index.htm sportsillustrated.cnn.com] The American Bill Kazmaier was the first man to successfully overhead press the stone.

A five stone set replica of the historical stone, ranging from {{convert|125-190.5|kg|lb|abbr=on|0|}} was often featured at the Rogue Invitational. Athletes had to load them over a hitching post in 2021 and 2022, and onto the top of whiskey barrels in 2024.{{cite web |title=Full Live Stream - Inver Challenge - Strongman Event 3 - 2024 Rogue Invitational|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hy9m0Up_1bU&t=100s|access-date=November 22, 2024|work=Rogue Invitational |date=November 9, 2024}} Overhead pressing the first two stones of this set has also been featured at the Arnold Strongman Classic.
{{small|Only 10 men (Jerry Pritchett, Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson, Mateusz Kieliszkowski, Rob Kearney, Bobby Thompson, Martins Licis, JF Caron, Oleksii Novikov, Tom Stoltman and Mitchell Hooper) have overhead pressed the {{convert|136|kg|lb|abbr=on|0|}} second stone of this set.}}

====McGlashen Stones/Atlas Stones====

Inspired by the original Inver Stone, these smooth and perfectly spherical stones were carved out from granite by stone-mason Stewart McGlashan during the nineteenth century. The earliest account of them being used in a strength competition was in 1963 at Highland Games. The Stones of Strength event introduced first at 1986 World's Strongest Man and then 1987 Pure Strength is the beginning of the benchmark in modern day Strongman stone runs{{cite web|url=https://www.theworldsstrongestman.com/events/atlas-stones/ |title=Atlas Stones |website=theworldsstrongestman.com |access-date=7 June 2010}} where the competitors had to lift five concrete stones of increasing weight, lap them in a squatting position and hoist them to the top of wooden barrels, one by one.{{cite web|url=https://barbend.com/strongman-atlas-stone-technique/ |title=Everything You Need To Know About Hoisting Atlas Stones |website=Michael Gill for Barbend.com |date=9 June 2021 |access-date=9 February 2022}} In the initial competitions of the 1980s and 1990s, these barrels (now podiums), were of varying height, with the lightest stone requiring to be lifted approximately to a person's head height. The heavier the stone was, the closer it was located to the podium. From 1998 onwards, the stones increased in weight (now called 'Atlas stones'), and the podium heights and height ratios were gradually reduced. From the mid 2000s, podium heights and distance from the stone was kept uniform for better standardization.{{cite web|url=https://barbend.com/atlas-stones-benefits/ |title=How Using Atlas Stones Can Benefit Almost Every Type Of Athlete |website=Matthew Barker for Barbend.com |date=27 August 2017 |access-date=27 August 2017}}

Two of the most iconic Atlas stone runs today are the 5 Atlas Stones heavy set {{convert|120-200|kg|lb|abbr=on|0|}} and light set {{convert|100-180|kg|lb|abbr=on|0|}}, which the world records are held by Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson (heavy set) and Tom Stoltman (light set) respectively. Iñaki Perurena shouldered a {{convert|211|kg|lb|abbr=on|0|}} Atlas stone and Magnus Samuelsson overhead pressed a {{convert|140|kg|lb|abbr=on|0|}} Atlas stone.

Located in Glenlyon, Perthshire, it is the oldest of the Scottish stones and the challenge of 'Bodach', both dating back to the 11th century. Originated from Dolerite which is rich in Iron, the stone's volume is considerably less for a stone which weighs {{convert|127|kg|lb|abbr=on|0|}}, owing to its high density. For Bodach, it has to be lifted and placed on a flat plinth.{{cite web |title=Scottish Stones |url=https://www.oldmanofthestones.com/history-of-the-stones|access-date=September 2, 2024|work=www.oldmanofthestones.com |date=April 21, 2015}}

Situated next to a stone coffin, historians think the stone was placed on top of the coffin when criminals were buried alive. The stone weighs {{convert|105|kg|lb|abbr=on|0|}} and is used for either carrying or shouldering.

Also known as Chieftains stone, this {{convert|114.5|kg|lb|abbr=on|0|}} smooth round stone at Castle Menzies was expected to be lifted and carried for 10 paces (7.5 meters) to achieve manhood.{{Cite web|url=http://www.menzies.org/newsletters/2/newsletter2.htm|title = Menzies Clan Society Newsletter}} It was originally used as the boundary marker for the bog at the Rannoch Moor.

At Sma Glen is a plinth and a stone along-with a challenge named after the practice of putting a saddle on a horse. The plinth known as 'Mare' is a tall and wide druid-like boulder, shaped at the top like a sloping desk with a 30° angle. The stone known as 'Saddle' which weighs {{convert|99|kg|lb|abbr=on|0|}} should be picked up and placed on top of the plinth so that it sits balanced on top.

{{main|Ardblair Stones}}

A recently developed series of nine concrete spheres ranging from {{convert|18|kg|lb|abbr=on|0|}} to {{convert|152|kg|lb|abbr=on|0|}} used in the Blairgowrie & Rattray Highland Games.{{Cite web |url=https://www.ardblairstones.com/about-us/ |title=The Ardblair Stones |author=Charlie Blair Oliphant |website= www.ardblairstones.com |date=28 June 2020 |access-date=3 July 2024}} With very light first five of the nine stones, they also allow children to step into the world of stone-lifting.

File:The Blue Stones of Dailly - geograph.org.uk - 1500376.jpg

• Blue or Charter stones at cemetery of old Dailly church{{Cite book|last=Love|first=Dane|year=2009|title=Legendary Ayrshire. Custom: Folklore: Tradition.|publisher=Carn Publishing|isbn=978-0-9518128-6-0|pages=16–17}} {{convert|131|kg|lb|abbr=on|0|}} & {{convert|118|kg|lb|abbr=on|0|}}
• Wallace Stone - {{convert|125|kg|lb|abbr=on|0|}}
• Puterach and Pudrac stones
• Clach-ultaich of Iain Garbh MacGille Chaluim in Raasay, DuntulmDwelly, Edward (1911), Faclair Gàidhlig gu Beurla le Dealbhan/The Illustrated [Scottish] Gaelic-English Dictionary (4th ed.), Glasgow: MacLaren & Sons
• MacLeod's lifting stone in RonaRobson, M. Rona the Distant Island (1991) Acair {{ISBN|0-86152-823-9}}
• Farm stone of Auldgirth{{Cite book|last=Watson|first=R.|year=1901|title=Closeburn (Dumfrieshire). Reminiscent, Historic & Traditional|publisher=Inglis Ker & Co.|page=54}}
• Kidney shaped black basalt Leper's stone at Prestwick
• Monachyle stone - {{convert|120|kg|lb|abbr=on|0|}}
• Ardvorlich stone - {{convert|152|kg|lb|abbr=on|0|}}

In Ireland, lifting stones have been used for centuries as a test for strength, as rites of passage into manhood, as well as at funeral gatherings. A man who could put the wind under a lifting-stone was considered a local hero and given great respect for his strength. Specialised throwing stones were also used in Irish warfare with great effect through the medieval period, and stone is a common material in construction of buildings, property boundaries and memorials for the dead. Currently, stone-lifting in Ireland is experiencing a modern revival, as known historic stones are receiving more attention.https://liftingstones.org/articles/irish-stone-locationshttps://www.tiktok.com/@irishstonelifting

Stone abounds are common in Aran Islands where it remains the primary traditional building material. One such famous lifting stone is a {{convert|171|kg|lb|abbr=on|0|}} pink granite, called the Inishmore Stone, on Inishmore. It is also called Moulin Port Bheal an Dun by the locals. Liam O'Flaherty wrote about this stone in 'The Stone', 1937. Adjacent to it are two other smaller stones beside the main stone on the same patch of grass.{{cite web |title=THE QUEST FOR THE STONE OF INISHMORE, MOUILÍN PORT BHÉAL AN DÚN |url=https://www.oldmanofthestones.com/blog/the-quest-for-the-stone-of-inishmore?categoryId=19735|access-date=September 2, 2024|work=www.oldmanofthestones.com |date=April 2, 2022}} Another stone located in Inishmaan is called Inishmaan Graveyard Stone which weighs {{convert|153|kg|lb|abbr=on|0|}}. The test was to lift the stone to the graveyard wall. Another stone and a test is known as "Stonemason's Test" at {{convert|125|kg|lb|abbr=on|0|}} where the stone had to be loaded on to a dry limestone wall as a test to become a stonemason's apprentice.

The Faha Stones in Faha, County Clare, are a pair, which the heavier one Cloch na bhFear weighs {{convert|162|kg|lb|abbr=on|0|}} and the lighter one Cloch na mBean weighs {{convert|112|kg|lb|abbr=on|0|}}. These stones were lifted at burial games and ceremonies to honor the deceased and there are written records of them that date back hundreds of years.

The {{convert|215|kg|lb|abbr=on|0|}} Flag of Denn in Denn, County Cavan is a heavy, almost perfectly rectangular stone associated with strong men of the parish who challenged each other after Sunday Masses to lift the stone up to their knees.{{cite web |title=Richard Sorin (M)|url=https://www.gq.com/story/the-quest-to-pick-up-the-lost-lifting-stones-of-ireland |website=GQ |author=Alyssa Ages | date=August 28, 2023 | access-date=April 10, 2025}} Legend says a man called Michael Clarke, hoisted it onto his back over a century ago, walked 150 ft to the local pub, downed a glass of whiskey with the stone still on his back, and walked right back to the graveyard.https://emeraldisle.ie/the-stonemen-of-ireland Old accounts report there were originally three stones, called "The Flags of Denn". Under those three flags were supposed to lie the remains of three saints, and at that time this place was recognised as the saints burying ground.https://www.duchas.ie/en/cbes/5044831/5042520/5090953

Another ancient Irish stone is the Aughrim Graveyard Stone (outside Elphin, Co. Roscommon) which weighs {{convert|115|kg|lb|abbr=on|0|}} and meant to be shouldered when lifted.

Another contemporary stone is the {{convert|125|kg|lb|abbr=on|0|}} Bulk in Owning, Co. Kilkenny, which rests near a lone tree at the crossroads, surrounded by a low stone wall. The goal is to lift the stone and carry around the tree as many times as possible.

Every settlement in the Faroe Islands used to have its local lifting stone, called 'Hav',[http://www.visiteysturoy.fo/uk/data/attachments/61561FEE-C20F-4D6A-8EF6-CCD5670AF30F/8F6E45FB-5360-4867-BF2F-BFAAA4F83408.pdf Visit Esturoy] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140305011023/http://www.visiteysturoy.fo/uk/data/attachments/61561FEE-C20F-4D6A-8EF6-CCD5670AF30F/8F6E45FB-5360-4867-BF2F-BFAAA4F83408.pdf |date=2014-03-05 }}, pages 7 & 12

derived from the verb hevja which means 'to lift'. Visiting men would be challenged by the locals to show off their strength. These stones usually are very heavy and elongated in shape and they are mainly to be lifted off the ground to send wind underneath them.

One such iconic stone is now a part of a mural in the village of Mikladalur known as Marjunar Hav of Kalsoy. The legend says the {{convert|270|kg|lb|abbr=on|0|}} stone has been lifted by Marjun the milkmaid, in the 16th century.{{cite web | url=https://visitfaroeislands.com/en/whatson/places/place/marjunar-hav0 | title=Marjunar hav, by visitfaroeislands.com | access-date=2024-09-02}} Another famous Hav is the {{convert|198.5|kg|lb|abbr=on|0|}} Anfinn’s Hav in Eysturoy.{{cite web |title=DO YOU REMEMBER THE LEGEND? |url=https://marmennilin.fo/en/|access-date=September 2, 2024|work=Marmennilin |date=February 14, 2021}}

According to Y pedair Camp ar Hugain Welsh for "The 24 feats", stone lifting was a common practice. It was usually performed by young boys as a rite of passage into manhood. It is said that once a young boy could lift the stone to his waist he was considered a man. Furthermore, the stone was used to develop a man's strength in preparation for battle. Stones varied, depending on what was available within the locality or on what was selected by the king of each region. The king's teulu ("personal army", or "household") were selected from each village or town within his borders, based upon a man's ability to lift stones, run, jump, leap, wrestle, fence, shoot a bow and arrow and throw a spear.

To date, a {{convert|136|kg|lb|abbr=on|0|}} lifting stone called Garreg Orchest (also known as 'Ysbyty Ifan Stone)' is still in place in the town of Criccieth in Gwynedd, North Wales. Competitors travel from all across the UK to attempt to lift and carry this large stone. In 2012 David Horne walked it for 62 feet (18.9m). The other most famous lifting stone of Wales is the {{convert|177.5|kg|lb|abbr=on|0|}} egg-shaped Criccieth Stone which is recognizable thanks to its broken chunk.{{cite web |title=The Criccieth Stone|url=https://liftingstones.org/articles/criccieth_stone|access-date=September 2, 2024|work=www.liftingstones.org |date=August 5, 2015}}

{{main|Harri-jasotzaileak}}

Stone lifting is also a traditional Basque Country sport involving the lifting of stones, called harri jasotzea. Basque country is located in the western Pyrenees, straddling the border between France and Spain on the coast of the Bay of Biscay.

File:ArteondoLifting.jpg

There are several varieties of traditional Basque stones. 'Stone dragging/ giza proba' is a discipline where a very heavy rectangular stone is attached to a chain to be attached to the athlete around his waist or just to be gripped by a handle and the stone to be dragged for the furthermost distance. Cubic stones (Kuboa), rectangular stones (Laukizuzena), cylindrical stones (Zilindroa) and spherical stones (Biribila) are three different events where they are lapped and shouldered for as many reps as possible or for a one rep max.{{cite web|url =https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5774184/|title =Levantadores – Basque Country stone lifting heritage|first =USA|last =Rogue Fitness|website =IMDB|date =December 1, 2015}} In the ontzi eramatea event, the weights were originally milk canisters prior to stones. For his prowess with both ancient and modern stones, Iñaki Perurena is considered the greatest Basque stonelifter.

In North West England centered around Cumbria, are several historical stone circles such as Castlerigg, Swinside and Birkrigg.{{cite web|url =https://www.visitcumbria.com/stone-circle/|title =The Stone Circles of the Lake District & Cumbria|first =Peter|last =Ristic|website =www.visitcumbria.com|date =December 21, 2013}} Some stones, mainly the smallest and liftable ones among them have been used during ancient English sporting events which dates back to the 1600s.{{cite web|url =https://www.timetravel-britain.com/articles/stones/stones.shtml|title =The Stone Circles of Cumbria|first =Gareth|last =Evans|website =www.timetravel-britain.com|date =June 1, 2005}} In Durham, a whinstone fetched from River Tees named "Teesdale Feat Stone" which weighs {{convert|135|kg|lb|abbr=on|0|}} posed a popular challenge which required the lifter to lift it on to a wooden table. The stone was lost for 12 years until it was founded again in 2024 and is now relocated in a field just off the Pennine Way footpath.{{cite web |title=The Lonton Egg & Teesdale Feat Stone|url=https://liftingstones.org/articles/lonton-egg |access-date=November 22, 2024|work=Calum Stott for www.liftingstones.org |date=October 9, 2023}}

Another famous stone in Durham is the {{convert|130|kg|lb|abbr=on|0|}} Lonton Egg which has a distinctive indent on one side. After a few pints, young men from 1920s have challenged each other to lift it on the walk home from the nearby pub.

The {{convert|245|kg|lb|abbr=on|0|}} Northumberland Stone which was featured at 2015 World's Strongest Team competition was a cheviot granite from Cumbria. It is the heaviest stone ever used in a distance carrying event and Iceland's Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson carried the colossal stone for {{convert|46.52|m|ftin}}.{{cite web |title=HAFTHOR BJORNSSON – 540 LB WORLD RECORD STONE CARRY!!! |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xdEeX5J7ddw|access-date=October 4, 2024|work=William F. Beedle |date=May 30, 2015}}

In Sweden, three of the most historical stones are Orebro stones, Kungslena stones and Ormeshaga stone. The Orebro Stones are seven stones located in three recessed circles that are cut into the grass, situated about 160 km West of Stockholm. The heaviest stone weighs {{convert|176|kg|lb|abbr=on|0|}}.{{cite web |title=Sweden: Orebro Stones |url=https://www.oldmanofthestones.com/blog/sweden-orebro-stones|access-date=September 2, 2024|work=www.oldmanofthestones.com |date=June 1, 2019}} Kungslena Stones are three stones with the heaviest one weighing {{convert|166|kg|lb|abbr=on|0|}} which reside outside the Kungslena church, situated about 125 km North East of Gothenburg. They are to be lifted and placed on top of three wooden stumps.{{cite web |title=Sweden: Kungslena Stones |url=https://www.oldmanofthestones.com/blog/sweden-kungslena-stones|access-date=September 2, 2024|work=www.oldmanofthestones.com |date=May 18, 2019}} Ormeshaga Stone lies under a tree by the roadside parallel to Lake Rottnen. It weighs {{convert|118|kg|lb|abbr=on|0|}}.{{cite web |title=Sweden: Ormeshaga |url=https://www.oldmanofthestones.com/blog/sweden-ormeshaga|access-date=September 2, 2024|work=www.oldmanofthestones.com |date=May 23, 2019}}

In Denmark, located at the Open Air Museum of Copenhagen there's a historical stone named "Mules Old Lifting Stone" which weighs {{convert|180.5|kg|lb|abbr=on|0|}}. It is meant to be lifted and held above ground for the longest time.{{cite web |title=Mules Old Lifting Stone, only known lifting stone in Denmark |url=https://www.oldmanofthestones.com/blog/mules-old-lifting-stone|access-date=September 2, 2024|work=www.oldmanofthestones.com |date=August 26, 2017}}

{{main|Steinstossen}}

In Switzerland, affiliated to the Unspunnenfest, a festival held once every twelve years, a historic stone weighing {{convert|83.5|kg|lb|abbr=on|0|}} is thrown overhead for the longest distance. The event is known as Unspunnen stone throw. The contestants begin on a {{convert|6.1|m|ftin}} runway, hurling the Aare granite stone as far as they could into a {{convert|4|in|mm|adj=mid|-deep}} sand pit. In 2004, Swiss carpenter Markus Maire established the current record in this event with a {{convert|4.11|m|ftin}} throw.{{Cite web |url=https://www.env-afgn.ch/news/detail/2067 |title=Markus Maire war nicht zu schlagen |author=Franz Hess |website= Env-afgn.ch |date=20 September 2006 |access-date=28 April 2023}}

In Southern Germany centered around Bavaria, stone lifting has been a traditional sport for centuries.{{cite web|url =https://www.oldtimestrongman.com/blog/2012/12/29/bavarian-stone-lifting/|title =Bavarian Stone Lifting|first =John|last =Wood|website =www.oldtimestrongman.com|date =December 29, 2012}} It was developed as a general test of strength primarily in the Bavarian Alps region, and under the care of the State Association of Stone Lifters, now developed as an independent sport.{{cite web|url =https://www.steinheben-lvb.de/|title =Steinheber Landesverband |first =Nick|last =Buderus|website =www.steinheben-lvb.de|date =July 7, 2012}} A notable event is the "Bavarian stone lift" which originated at the strong beer festival, where competitors have to lift a rectangular shaped stone attached to a ring, starting from a squatting position. Austria's Martin Wildauer holds the world record in this lift.

Events involving carrying, walking, shouldering, loading, holding and throwing stones have become very popular in the US across many American highland games competitions. Organizations such as 'New England Stone Lifting' also arrange competitions like 'Festival at Fort 4' to popularize stone lifting among the general public.{{Cite web|url=https://www.instagram.com/p/C72kD7mgU-x/?hl=en|title=Attention! The inaugural New England Stone Lifting Competition at Festival at Fort 4 proudly presents a competition with five events - Featuring: Stone to shoulder for reps, Swiss Stone throw, Timed front hold, A stone load medley, and The World Famous Lundstrom Walking Stones!|date=6 June 2024|work=INSTAGRAM @fort4fest|access-date=3 July 2024}} Below are some of the most iconic stones.

===American lifting stones===

{{main|Lundstrom Stones}}

At the Loon Mountain Highland Games in New Hampshire, there's a popular farmers walk event with a pair of stones which weigh {{convert|124.5|kg|lb|abbr=on|0|}} and {{convert|106|kg|lb|abbr=on|0|}} respectively for a combined weight of {{convert|230.5|kg|lb|abbr=on|0|}}.{{Cite web|url=https://www.festivalatfort4.com/lundstrom|title=About The Lundstrom Stones|date=14 March 2015|work=www.festivalatfort4.com|access-date=1 September 2024}} It was originated in 1983 and pioneered by stone-lifter John Lundstrom. In 2015, Iceland's Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson competed against the Highland games specialists and carried the stones for {{convert|42.93|m|ftin}}.{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lMQf_o0OhP8 |title=HAFPOR BJORNSSON SETS RECORD STONE CARRY|date=18 October 2015|work=Matt Vincent for YouTube.com|access-date=22 June 2024}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.unionleader.com/nh/travel/attractions/highland-games-and-festival-draw-some-40k-visitors----and-one-mountain----to-loon/article_b8241120-f657-5a93-b7ad-8e00d8a6c45c.html |title=Highland Games and Festival draw some 40k visitors to Loon Mountain|date=21 September 2015|work=JOHN KOZIOL for 'Union Leader'|access-date=3 September 2023}}

A bulky, sharp and triangularly shaped stone weighing {{convert|221|kg|lb|abbr=on|0|}} named after Jón Páll Sigmarsson which is kept in New Hampshire, and used in some New England Highland Games.{{Cite web|url=https://www.instagram.com/p/C80GVLGSJ0O/?img_index=1 |title=After the Fort4fest, I attempted the Jón Páll Sigmarsson Stone|date=30 June 2024|work=Bryan Clifford for 'Festival at Fort 4'|access-date=1 September 2024}} Like the Húsafell Stone, it is to be lifted onto the chest and carried for maximum distance. The Icelandic phrase 'Þetta er ekkert mál fyrir Jón Páll!' is inscribed in the stone.

Norwegian Strongman Odd Haugen was gifted with a {{convert|186|kg|lb|abbr=on|0|}} oval shaped stone on his 58th birthday and since has featured at the Arnold Strongman Classic a number of times in the Stone to Shoulder event. In 2019, Poland's Mateusz Kieliszkowski performed 5 repetitions.

{{small|Only 8 men in history (Jesse Marunde, Martins Licis, Mateusz Kieliszkowski, Mikhail Shivlyakov, Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson, Matjaz Belsak, Bobby Thompson and Oleksii Novikov) have lifted this stone to their shoulder.{{Cite web|url=https://liftingstones.org/articles/odd-haugens-tombstone|title=Odd Haugen's Tombstone|date=7 April 2022|work=liftingstones.org|access-date=7 April 2022}}}}

In 2007, when Slater Strength Co. introduced the {{convert|237|kg|lb|abbr=on|0|}} Max. Atlas stone over 4ft bar event for the Arnold Strongman Classic in Columbus, Ohio, it went on to be popularized as the Manhood Stones. Throughout the years, stones got heavier and was frequently featured at Rogue Record Breakers. During 2024 Strongest Man on Earth in Colorado, Iceland's Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson broke the world record for the heaviest Manhood Stone ever lifted within a full competition by repping a {{convert|250|kg|lb|abbr=on|0|}} stone twice. Scotland's Tom Stoltman holds the world record for the heaviest Manhood Stone ever lifted at {{convert|286|kg|lb|abbr=on|0|}}.{{Cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DHB9lyDd-Vk |title=A Brief History of the Atlas Stones - timestamp 7:20 onwards |author=Laurence Shahlaei |website= YouTube |date=26 June 2020 |access-date=1 September 2024}}{{Cite web |url=https://www.musculardevelopment.com/articles/supplements/mhp/20058-arnold-strongman-classic-testing-the-limits-of-strength-and-power-for-20-years.html |title=Arnold Strongman Classic Testing the Limits of Strength and Power for 20 Years! |author=Ron Harris |website= www.musculardevelopment.com |date=15 February 2023 |access-date=1 September 2024}}

{{small|An Atlas stone heavier than {{convert|227|kg|lb|abbr=on|0|}} is called a Manhood stone. Only 20 men in history have ever loaded one over a 4ft bar within a full competition: Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson, Austin Andrade, Mitchell Hooper, Trey Mitchell, Reza Gheitasi, Brian Shaw, Mikhail Koklyaev, Vytautas Lalas, Mike Jenkins, Travis Ortmayer, Mark Felix, Serhiy Romanchuk, Žydrūnas Savickas, Derek Poundstone, Phil Pfister, Oleksandr Pekanov, Steve MacDonald, Peiman Maheripour, László Fekete and Lucas Hatton.{{cite web |title=Contests Featuring a Stones Event > Manhood Stones|url=https://strongmanarchives.com/viewEvent.php?id=5|access-date=December 19, 2024|work=Strongman Archives|date=August 18, 2024}}}}

• Buckeye stone (Ohio) {{convert|145|kg|lb|abbr=on|0|}}
• Calamity stone (Ohio) {{convert|158.5|kg|lb|abbr=on|0|}}
• Gilson stone (Ohio) {{convert|122.5|kg|lb|abbr=on|0|}}
• Cottonwood stones (small & big) (Utah) {{convert|127-131.5|kg|lb|abbr=on|0|}}
• Buffalo stone (Utah) {{convert|137|kg|lb|abbr=on|0|}}
• Hoosier stones (Indiana) {{convert|109-147.5|kg|lb|abbr=on|0|}}
• William Keith stone (Pennsylvania) {{convert|145|kg|lb|abbr=on|0|}}

{{main|Chikaraishi}}

File:Nunakumajinja03s2048.jpg in Fukuyama.]]

In ancient Japan, stone lifting was carried out around Shinto shrines as a sport. サシ石 (Hiragana: さしいし)(sashi-ishi) ("overhead pressing stone"), 石担, (ishikatsugi) ("shoulder carried stone") and 石運び (ishihakobi) ("stone carrying") are some popular disciplines.{{cite book|first1=Allen|last1=Guttmann|first2=Lee Austin|last2=Thompson|title=Japanese Sports: A History|isbn=9780824824648|publisher=University of Hawaii Press|year=2001|pages=39–41|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=lbOau1trIMMC&pg=PA39}}

In Takayama, there are two smooth circular stones called "Hida folk village stones" which weigh {{convert|94|kg|lb|abbr=on|0|}} and {{convert|75|kg|lb|abbr=on|0|}} respectively. Back in the day, they were used to determine who is the strongest man in the village.{{cite web |title=Hida Folk Village's lifting stones|url=https://liftingstones.org/articles/hida-folk-village-stones|access-date=November 22, 2024|work=www.liftingstones.org |date=October 9, 2023}}

In late antiquity, Jerome described a long-standing tradition in Judaea where heavy round stones were placed in towns and villages for young men to lift as a test of strength, with some raising them to their knees or shoulders and the strongest lifting them overhead with straight, bound arms.Jerome, Commentary on Zechariah III.12.3Millar, Fergus (2010). Jerome and Palestine. Scripta Classica Israelica, 29, p. 60

Rock carrying is traditional in Tibet and the rest of China where circular shaped natural stones and rectangularly shaped stones weighing up to {{convert|150|kg|lb|abbr=on|0|}} are lifted and carried.{{Cite web |title=The Tibetan sport of rock-carrying _News_TIBET |url=http://m.tibet.cn/eng/life/news/201611/t20161105_5774004.html |access-date=2023-09-01 |website=m.tibet.cn}} In India and Pakistan, rocks are lifted in different ways as a sport.{{Cite web |title=Not too many fit enough for Illavata Kal challenge |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil-nadu/2020/jan/02/not-too-many-fit-enough-for-illavata-kal-challenge-2084012.html |access-date=2023-09-01 |website=The New Indian Express|date=2 January 2020 }}

• Below table summarizes the 12 greatest stone lifters in Strongman history.{{cite web |title=Most Successful Athletes: Stones|url=https://strongmanarchives.com/viewEvent.php?id=5|access-date=March 3, 2024|work=Strongman Archives|date=March 3, 2024}}{{cite web |title=Most Successful Athletes: Distance Carry|url=https://strongmanarchives.com/viewEvent.php?id=14|access-date=March 3, 2024|work=Strongman Archives|date=March 3, 2024}}
• No. of total career stone event wins (international competitions/ open category), including currently held world records (WRs).

- As at 10 April 2025

• Strongman
• History of physical training and fitness
• Stone put

{{Strength Sports}}

Category:Stones

Category:Scottish folklore

Category:Scandinavian folklore

Category:Northumbrian folklore

Category:Strongmen competitions