Balluderon Stone facts for kids
Quick facts for kids The Balluderon StoneMartin's Stone |
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The Balluderon Stone
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| Material | Old Red Sandstone |
| Size | 2 metres (6.6 ft) |
| Symbols | Celtic cross (fragmentary) Mounted figures Serpent and z-rod Pictish beast |
| Present location | Balluderon, Angus |
| Classification | Class II cross slab |
The Balluderon Stone, also known as Martin's Stone, is an ancient carved stone from Scotland. It's a special type of stone called a Pictish cross slab. This means it was carved by the Picts, an ancient people who lived in Scotland, and it features a cross along with other mysterious symbols. You can find this stone in a field in Balluderon, a place in Angus, Scotland.
What is the Balluderon Stone?
The Balluderon Stone is a large piece of Old Red Sandstone. It stands in a field and is protected by a metal fence to keep it safe. Sadly, only the bottom half of the original stone remains today. Even so, it's a fascinating glimpse into the past and the art of the Pictish people.
What Can We See on the Stone?
This ancient stone is covered with interesting carvings. You can still see parts of a beautiful Celtic cross, which is a cross with a circle around its center. Below the cross, there are carvings of two people riding horses. There's also a mysterious symbol showing a snake combined with a zig-zag rod. Another carving is of a strange "Pictish beast," which looks like an animal but isn't quite like any animal we know today. These symbols give us clues about the beliefs and stories of the Picts.
The Legend of Martin and the Dragon
The Balluderon Stone is connected to an old local story. This legend tells of nine young women, known as the Nine Maidens, who were attacked by a fearsome dragon. A brave hero named Martin came to their rescue and managed to defeat the dragon. People believe that this heroic tale is why the stone is sometimes called "Martin's Stone." The story also gives its name to the valley where the stone stands, which is called Strathmartine. It's amazing how ancient stones can keep old legends alive!
