“Charlemagne learning that the Robber Knight of the Ardennes had a precious jewel set in his shield called all his bravest noblemen together and bade them sally forth separately with only a page as escort in quest of the knight. Once found they were to challenge him in true knightly fashion, and at the point of the lance win the jewel he wore. A day was appointed when, successful or not, the courtiers were to return, and, beginning with the lowest in rank, were to give a truthful account of their adventures while on the quest. All the knights departed and scoured the Forest of the Ardennes, each hoping to meet the robber knight and win the jewel. Among them was Milon, accompanied by his son Roland, a lad of fifteen, whom he had taken as page and armour-bearer. Milon had spent many days in vain search for the knight when, exhausted by his long ride, he dismounted, removed his heavy armour and lay down under a tree to sleep, bidding Roland keep close watch during his slumbers. For a while Roland watched faithfully: then, fired by a desire to distinguish himself he donned his father’s armour, sprang on his steed and rode off into the forest in search of adventures. He had not gone very far when he saw a gigantic horseman coming to meet him and by the dazzling glitter of a large stone set in his shield he recognized him to be the invincible Knight of the Ardennes. Afraid of nothing, however, the lad laid his lance in rest when challenged to fight, and charged so bravely that he unhorsed his opponent. A fearful battle on foot ensued, each striving hard to accomplish the death of the other. But at last the fresh young energy of Roland conquered and his terrible foe fell to the ground in agony. Hastily wrenching the coveted jewel from the shield of the dead warrior, the boy hid it in his breast. Then riding rapidly back to his sleeping father he laid aside the armour and removed all traces of a bloody encounter. Soon after Milon awoke and resumed the quest, when he came upon the body of the dead knight. He was disappointed indeed to find that another had won the jewel, and rode sadly back to court to be present on the appointed day. In much pomp, Charlemagne ascended his throne amid the deafening sound of trumpets. Then seating himself he bade the knights appear before him. Each in turn told of finding the knight slain and the jewel gone. Last of all came Milon. Gloomily he made his way to the throne to repeat the story that had already been told so often. But as he went there followed behind him with a radiant face young Roland, proudly bearing his father’s shield in the centre of which shone the precious jewel. At the sight of this all the nobles started and whispered that Milon had done the deed.[deed.] Then when he dismally told how he too had found the knight dead, a shout of incredulity greeted him. Turning his head he saw to his amazement that his own shield bore the gem. At the sight of it he appeared so amazed that Charlemagne set himself to question Roland, and thus soon learned how it had been obtained. In reward for his bravery in this encounter Roland was knighted and allowed to take his place among the paladins of the Emperor. Nor was it long before he further distinguished himself, becoming to his father’s delight the most renowned among all that famous company.”
The Irish Charm stones used to charm away vermin, are about one inch in thickness and about four inches long. The Australian natives carried magical stones which could never be seen by women.
Certain stones known as Dendrites exhibit markings which take the form of trees, grass, moss, etc. (see Moss Agate). The ancients considered them fortunate for prosperity in farming and in general affairs of life. Brigadier General Kenneth Mackay mentions in his book, “Across Papua,” various carved stones which were employed by the natives as garden charms.
CHAPTER IX
STONES AND THEIR STORIES
ABRAXAS STONES. These were stones used by the Gnostics or Knowers who existed in the early ages of Christianity. “Amongst this Christian philosophic sect,” writes King, “the figure of Abraxas was held in high esteem. They used it as a teacher in obedience to whom they directed their own peculiar transcendental inquiries and mystic doctrines: as a token or password amongst the initiated to show that they belonged to the same sect: as an amulet and talisman: and lastly as a seal for their documents.” The figure of Abraxas was composed as follows: Cock’s Head, Human Body, legs formed like serpents. In one hand he holds the whip of power, in the other the shield of wisdom. These are the five mystical emanations symbolically expressed—the Sun, the Inward Feelings, Awakened Understanding, Dynamis (Force), Sophia (Wisdom). Basilides, the Egyptian who is supposed to have founded the sect, is criticized in the writings of Augustine because he “pretended the number of the Heavens to be 365, the number of days in the year.” Hence he glorified a “sacred name” as it were, namely the word ABRAXAS, the letters in which name, according to the Greek methods of enumeration, make up that number. The principal Abraxas stones were of Jasper, Plasma, Sard, Loadstone and Chalcedony.
ALECTORIUS. The Alectorius or as Camillus Leonardus has it, the ALECTORIA, is said to be a stone never bigger than a large bean, which stone is taken from a cock. When this stone becomes perfect, says Leonardus, the bird will not drink.
The Alectorus is said to be a stone like Crystal, and very bright. It is related that Milo of Croton, the great wrestler and strong man of the ancients who lived in the year 520 B. C., carried a specimen with him always and only lost his strength when he lost the stone. Its virtues were many: it gave a wife favour in her husband’s eyes; it banished thirst, bestowed eloquence and persuasive power, brought domestic peace, harmony, victory and honour. As the stone is attached to the zodiacal Scorpio it may have been a white topaz but identification is uncertain.
BEZOAR STONES
“Everything that frees the body from any ailment is called the Bezoar of that ailment.”
Leonardus, “Mirror of Stones.”