What are the ‘five wayward virgins’?
The Five Wayward Virgins are five tall stones that stand in a star-shaped stone setting. Inside the stone setting was a grave from the Late Roman period (approx. 350 AD), where a bronze vessel with burnt human bones and bear claws was found. Tradition has it that this star-shaped stone setting is part of a religious/magical calendar system. The triangular shape is said to symbolise the feminine, while the menhir stones are a phallic symbol.
Where do the ‘The Five Wayward Virgins’ stand?
The stones are located at Norheim, just north of Avaldsnes. They have stood here since around 300 AD, at the narrowest point of Karmsundet, the strait that gave Norway its name.
What is the story behind ‘The Five Wayward Virgins’?
The stone setting is called ‘The Five Wayward Virgins’ after a legend about St Olav. It is said that once Olav the Holy travelled around the country and Christianised his people, he came from the north and was going to the royal farm at Avaldsnes. When he reached the narrowest part of Karmsundet, he saw five girls standing on the mainland side waving at him. But the king was not tempted. Instead, he shouted loudly. ‘Stand there and turn to stone, until I come back again’. Immediately the maidens turned to stone. They are still standing there, looking out over Karmsundet towards St Olav's Church at Avaldsnes.
