Myths and Legends of the Celtic Race - Knowledge Rush

CHAPTER II: THE RELIGION OF THE CELTS 51may be found in their resemblance to the artificial dolmens andcromlechs. 40 No superstition has proved more enduring. In A.D.452 we find the Synod of Arles denouncing those who “veneratetrees and wells and stones,” and the denunciation was repeatedby Charlemagne, and by numerous Synods and Councils down torecent times. Yet a drawing, here reproduced, which was latelymade on the spot by Mr. Arthur Bell 41 shows this very act ofworship still in full force in Brittany, and shows the symbols andthe sacerdotal organisation of Christianity actually pressed intothe service of this immemorial paganism. According to Mr. Bell,the clergy take part in these performances with much reluctance,but are compelled to do so by the force of local opinion. Holywells, the water of which is supposed to cure diseases, are stillvery common in Ireland, and the cult of the waters of Lourdes [67]may, in spite of its adoption by the Church, be mentioned as anotable case in point on the Continent.40Small stones, crystals, and gems were, however, also venerated. Thecelebrated Black Stone of Pergamos was the subject of an embassy from Rometo that city in the time of the Second Punic War, the Sibylline Books havingpredicted victory to its possessors. It was brought to Rome with great rejoicingsin the year 205. It is stated to have been about the size of a man's fist, andwas probably a meteorite. Compare the myth in Hesiod which relates howKronos devoured a stone in the belief that it was his offspring, Zeus. It wasthen possible to mistake a stone for a god.41 Replaced by a photograph in this edition.