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Blarney Stone

Coordinates: 51°55′45″N 8°34′14″W / 51.929091°N 8.570564°W / 51.929091; -8.570564
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(Redirected from Stone of Eloquence)
For the film, see The Blarney Stone (film).

The Blarney Stone

The Blarney Stone (Irish: Cloch na Blarnan) is a block of Carboniferous limestone[1] built into the battlements of Blarney Castle, Blarney, about 8 kilometres (5 miles) from the centre of Cork City, Ireland. According to legend, kissing the stone endows the kisser with the gift of the gab (great eloquence or skill at flattery). The stone was set into a tower of the castle in 1446. The castle is a popular tourist site in Ireland, attracting visitors from all over the world to kiss the stone and tour the castle and its gardens.

The word blarney has come to mean "clever, flattering, or coaxing talk". Irish politician John O'Connor Power defined it this way: "Blarney is something more than mere flattery. It is flattery sweetened by humour and flavoured by wit. Those who mix with Irish folk have many examples of it in their everyday experience."[2] Letitia Elizabeth Landon described its contemporary meaning in an article entitled 'Blarney Castle' in 1832.[3]

Origins

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View of the Blarney Stone from the ground

A number of stories attempt to explain the origin of the stone and surrounding legend. An early story involves the goddess Clíodhna.[4][5] Cormac Laidir MacCarthy, the builder of Blarney Castle,[6] being involved in a lawsuit in the 15th century, appealed to Clíodhna for her assistance. She told MacCarthy to kiss the first stone he found in the morning on his way to court, and he did so, with the result that he pleaded his case with great eloquence and won. Thus the Blarney Stone is said to impart "the ability to deceive without offending". MacCarthy then incorporated it into the parapet of the castle.[7]

The proprietors of Blarney Castle list several other explanations of the origins of the stone on their website.[8] Many of these suppose that the stone had previously been in Ireland, was taken to Scotland and then returned to Ireland in 1314.[8] The stories listed include one suggesting that the stone was presented to Cormac MacCarthy by Robert the Bruce in 1314 in recognition of his support in the Battle of Bannockburn.[8] This legend holds that this was a piece of the Stone of Scone and was installed at MacCarthy's castle of Blarney.[9][10] Although colourful, this folk legend does not account for the fact that it supposes that the stone was removed from Scotland 18 years before Bannockburn. Moreover, an analysis by geologists at the University of Glasgow in 2014 found the stone's geochemical signature matches local limestone.[1]

Ritual

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Person kissing the Blarney Stone

The ritual of kissing the Blarney Stone, according to the castle's proprietors, has been performed by "millions of people", including "world statesmen, literary giants [and] legends of the silver screen".[8] The kiss, however, is not casually achieved. To touch the stone with one's lips, the participant must ascend to the castle's peak, then lean over backwards on the parapet's edge. This is traditionally achieved with the help of an assistant. Although the parapet is now fitted with wrought-iron guide rails and protective crossbars, the ritual can still trigger attacks of acrophobia.

Kissing the stone in 1897, before the safeguards were installed.

Before the safeguards were installed, the kiss was performed with real risk to life and limb, as participants were grasped by the ankles and dangled bodily from the height.[11] In the Sherlock Holmes radio dramatisation "The Adventure of the Blarney Stone" (first broadcast on 18 March 1946), a man attempting to kiss the Blarney Stone falls to his death. Holmes' investigation reveals this as a murder, the man's boots having been surreptitiously greased before the attempt.

William Henry Hurlbert wrote in 1888 that the legend of the stone seemed to be less than a hundred years old at that time, suggesting the tradition began late in the 18th century.[12] The legend of the Blarney Stone was described in A classical dictionary of the vulgar tongue by Francis Grose, printed 1785.[13]

The Kissing Ritual

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Ever wondered why visitors to Ireland line up to kiss the Blarney Stone, and why they do it upside down? This quirky tradition isn't just a fun tourist attraction—it's steeped in history, lore, and a touch of magic. The ritual of kissing the Blarney Stone, nestled high up in the walls of Blarney Castle, is believed to grant the "gift of eloquence." Let’s explore the details of this unique and iconic kissing ritual.

How It's Done: The Upside-Down Kiss Explained

Kissing the Blarney Stone is not as simple as leaning in for a smooch. It’s an adventurous process that adds to the charm of this age-old tradition. Here’s how it’s done:

1. Climb the Castle: Start by ascending the narrow, spiral staircase that leads to the top of Blarney Castle. The climb itself is part of the experience, offering glimpses of history along the way.

 

2. Get Ready with a Guide: Once at the top, a guide will be there to assist you. You'll lie on your back while holding onto iron rails for support.

3. Lean Backwards: This is where the thrill kicks in—you have to lean backward over a gap while gripping the rails. The stone juts out from the castle wall below you.

4. The Kiss: With the guide's help, lower yourself towards the stone and kiss it upside down, making sure your lips make contact.

While it may sound a bit daunting, this daring position is all part of the fun! Leaning back into the void adds a touch of adventure, but don’t worry—there are safety measures in place, including a metal grate below and a helpful guide to ensure you stay secure.


Symbolism Behind the Kiss

Kissing the Blarney Stone isn't just about the physical act; it carries rich symbolism and is wrapped in centuries of legend. Here’s what the ritual signifies:

Gift of Eloquence: The main belief is that anyone who kisses the stone will be blessed with the gift of gab, gaining the power of persuasive and eloquent speech.

 

A Connection to History: By kissing the stone, you’re not only taking part in a fun ritual but also connecting with centuries of Irish tradition and folklore.

 

Bravery and Adventure: Leaning backward over a considerable height embodies courage and a sense of adventure, turning this act into a personal triumph.

 

Why Upside Down?

The reason you have to kiss the Blarney Stone upside down has to do with its placement in the castle’s battlements. The stone is set into the outer wall, below the parapet, so the only way to reach it is to lean backward over a gap. This unique position adds a sense of thrill and challenge, turning a simple kiss into a memorable adventure.


Final Thoughts: A Kiss to Remember

Whether you believe in the legends or just want to partake in a bit of Irish culture, kissing the Blarney Stone is a one-of-a-kind experience. It's a mix of history, legend, and personal bravery that turns an ordinary trip into a story worth sharing.

So, if you ever find yourself in County Cork, take the plunge, lean back, and kiss the Blarney Stone. Who knows? You might just walk away with the gift of gab and a tale to tell!

Legend

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'Tis there's the stone that whoever kisses

He never misses to grow eloquent;

'Tis he may clamber to a lady's chamber,

Or become a member of Parliament.

"A noble spouter he'll sure turn out, or

An out and outer to be let alone;

Don't try to hinder him, or to bewilder him,

For he is a pilgrim from the Blarney stone."

Francis Sylvester Mahony[14]

It is claimed that the synonymy of "blarney" with "empty flattery" or "beguiling talk" derives from one of two sources. One story involves the goddess Clíodhna and Cormac Laidir MacCarthy (see "Origins" above). Another legend suggests that Queen Elizabeth I requested Cormac MacDermot MacCarthy, the Lord of Blarney, be deprived of his traditional land rights. Cormac travelled to see the queen, but was certain he would not persuade her to change her mind as he wasn't an effective speaker. He met an old woman on the way who told him that anyone who kissed a particular stone in Blarney Castle would be given the gift of eloquent speech. Cormac went on to persuade the queen that he should not be deprived of his land.[15]

Echoing the supposed power of the stone, an Irish bard of the early 19th century, Francis Sylvester Mahony, added a number of (humorous) lines to Richard Alfred Millikin's "The Groves of Blarney" (right).

According to tradition at Texas Tech University, a stone fragment displayed on its campus since 1939 is a missing piece of the Blarney Stone.[16] How this was determined is unknown.[17]

In music and literature

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The traditional Irish song "The Blarney Stone" (Roud 4800) has been recorded by artists including Tom Lenihan, Margaret Barry and Bob Davenport.[18][19][20]

"The Blarney Stone" is also the name of a song by American rock band Ween.[21]

To accompany a picture of the Castle by William Henry Bartlett in Fisher's Drawing Room Scrap Book, 1832, Letitia Elizabeth Landon gives a number of examples of blarney from historical personages.[22]

In Chuck Palahniuk's novel Fight Club, the protagonist reminisces about urinating on the Blarney stone on a trip to Ireland after leaving college.[23]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b "Mystery of Blarney Stone's heritage finally solved". The Guardian. 16 March 2014. Retrieved 16 March 2014.
  2. ^ 'Irish Wit and Humour', John O'Connor Power, Time, 1890, p. 178.
  3. ^ Landon, Letitia Elizabeth (1831). "examples of blarney". Fisher's Drawing Room Scrap Book, 1832. Fisher, Son & Co.
  4. ^ James MacKillop, A Dictionary of Celtic Mythology. Oxford. pp. 43–44, 91
  5. ^ Patricia Monaghan, The Encyclopedia of Celtic Mythology and Folklore. New York: Facts On File. 2004. pp. 48, 91
  6. ^ Irish Pedigrees: MacCarthy, Lords of Muskry #119
  7. ^ Richard Marsh, Elan Penn, Frank McCourt, The Legends & Lands of Ireland. Penn Publishing. pp. 107–110
  8. ^ a b c d "The Blarney Stone". Blarney Castle website. Archived from the original on 30 August 2010. Retrieved 11 July 2008.
  9. ^ Castleden, Rodney (2006). Castles of the celtic lands: the historic castles of Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Barnes & Noble. p. 26. ISBN 0-7607-7937-6.
  10. ^ Varner, Gary R. (2004). Menhirs, dolmen, and circles of stone: the folklore and magic of sacred stone. Algora Publishing. p. 61. ISBN 0-87586-349-3.
  11. ^ Dunton, Larkin (1896). The World and Its People. Silver, Burdett. p. 84.
  12. ^ Hurlbert, William Henry (1888). Ireland Under Coercion: The Diary of an American (2nd ed.). Houghton Mifflin. p. 232.
  13. ^ Grose, Francis (1785). A Classical Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue. London: S. Hooper. p. 29.
  14. ^ "Fun stories". Blarney Castle website. Archived from the original on 21 July 2008. Retrieved 11 July 2008.
  15. ^ "Irish Blessings - Legend of the Blarney Stone". irishindeed.com. Archived from the original on 10 September 2015.
  16. ^ Martin, Cindy (March–April 1987). "The Blarney Stone...at Texas Tech?" (PDF). Texas Techsan. Lubbock, Texas: Texas Tech Alumni Association. p. 25., also cited in
    "Blarney Stone". Texas Tech University. Retrieved 10 July 2008.
  17. ^ Ritz, Jennifer. "This is Texas Tech" (PDF). Texas Techsan Magazine. Texas Tech Alumni Association: 7. Archived from the original (PDF) on 25 July 2014.
  18. ^ "Clare County Library: Songs of Clare - The Blarney Stone sung by Tom Lenihan". www.clarelibrary.ie. Retrieved 27 February 2019.
  19. ^ "The Blarney Stone - Margaret Barry Song - BBC Music". BBC. Archived from the original on 28 February 2019.
  20. ^ Brocken, Michael (29 September 2017). The British Folk Revival: 1944–2002. Routledge. ISBN 9781351893572.
  21. ^ "Release "The Mollusk" by Ween". MusicBrainz. Retrieved 13 April 2022.
  22. ^ Landon, Letitia Elizabeth (1831). "picture". Fisher's Drawing Room Scrap Book, 1832. Fisher, Son & Co.Landon, Letitia Elizabeth (1831). "The Castle and examples of blarney". Fisher's Drawing Room Scrap Book, 1832. Fisher, Son & Co.
  23. ^ Palahniuk, Chuck (1996). Fight Club. New York: Henry Holt and Company. p. 77. ISBN 0-8050-5309-3.

Further reading

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51°55′45″N 8°34′14″W / 51.929091°N 8.570564°W / 51.929091; -8.570564

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