The
gateway to the Kirkby Stephen Parish Church, whose byname is the Cathedral of the Dales. A sturdy, small and pretty church, the
gateway was built in 1810 with money from the will of John Waller a former resident and leads through the cloisters to the entrance of the church which stands on an old Saxon site. One of the things the church is famous for is its possession of a Viking carving called
the Loki Stone. It features the horned figure of Loki who from Viking stories was sometimes on the side of the gods and sometimes he plagued them for he was a trickster. At the end he went too far and killed the son of Odin, the result, eternal punishment, which is why this stone shows him bound. And just to add that little bit of detail is is with the entrails of one of his sons. A serpent drips poison, which his wife collected in a bowl. When the bowl is full she had to pour it out and the poison then dripped on Loki, his pain as he writhes and cries out in pain causes earthquakes.
Gosh I feel like a walk to clear my head after that thought.
maybe through this gate on a path lined with gorse. Or perhaps a walk in a country garden
Tatton Park
with a cool archways of trees. On second thoughts although today has been spring like, no shade required yet,
the
gritters are out again tonight. Only for ice, all our snow has gone. Wooden
gates need a bit of upkeep
Lancaster near the River Lune
not this one, the building is due for conversion into flats or redevelopment. Sometimes things have gone too far
when lichen and rain have worn away its purpose. Standing propped against the wall is its replacement.
Go to
ABC Wednesday where there will be lots more words starting with the letter
G
9 comments:
What a fascinating story about Loki and the Loki stone! I do love history like this and particularly since in comparison to your history, we're still infants!! I've traveled a great deal, but unfortunately I didn't get to England I did so hope to one day. Terrific post, Joy! And a perfect one for the G Day!
Sylvia
ABC Team
Some of the old stories certainly are gruesome, aren't they? I can see hordes of little boys laughing and wanting to hear more. :) I'm glad the old building is due for conversion and not going to be torn down. I like the look of the facade.
That was a great post Joy. I've heard the story of Loki before, but it surprises me to find it in a church. I guess people everywhere and always have loved these gory tales. (Some of the Native American tales are pretty similar and equally as gory.)
Your pix are lovely and I enjoyed the 'head-clearing' walk as well as the church gateway.
Myths and head-clearing are a fine match! Great post!
I loce the gateway.
All I know of Loki is what I read in Thor comic books.
ROG, ABC Wednesday team
Beautiful shots of the place.
love that old gate very reminscent of days ago
GORGEOUS! I love gates and I now love gateways! these are stunning.
inviting places to be.
Happy Weekend.
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