Flint derives its name from the Greek PLINTHOS, a brick. It has been written at various times as vlint, vlynt, flent, flend, flynd, flynt, flynte. Flint is described as an “intermediate between quartz and opal, consisting almost entirely of silica with a little lime, oxide of iron, water, carbon and sometimes traces of organic matter.” Mr. G. R. Porter says that flint is silica “in a state nearly approaching to purity.” (“Porcelain and Glass,” 1832.) Today it is classed amongst the varieties of chalcedony and is found in various colours—greyish white, grey, black, light brown, red and yellow. It is semi-translucent, breaking with a well-defined shell-like fracture. This mineral was extensively used by aboriginal man in the making of implements, weapons, magical instruments, etc., and many fine worked specimens are still found in all parts of the world. Mystery and magic are associated with the flint which was used in ancient Egypt for fashioning scarabs and making the first incision in a dead body, prior to embalming. The Ethiopian Arrows noted by Herodotus were, as discovery has proved, arrow heads of flint. The Elf Arrow-head or Elf Dart with a hole drilled through it was regarded especially in Scotland and Ireland as an effective talisman against poison, witchcraft, and the evil wishes of enemies. Sir Edward Mackenzie, Bart. built his charming little story “The Romance of the Elf Arrow” on these beliefs. Robert Gordon, of Straloch, who wrote in the year 1654, relates that a friend of his while out riding on horseback was struck on the top of his riding boot by one of these fairy stones. In this case there is no doubt that the horse’s hoof caused the incident, but chance was not admitted by the old masters who would regard the hoof of the horse as the instrument made use of by the mischievous fairies.
Pliny relates that Chias being the first to demonstrate the fire flashing of struck flint, was given the name of Pyrodes. Aubrey states that it was an old custom to hang on a string a flint with a hole in it “to hinder the nightmare.” “It is best of all, they say, hung about their necks, and a flint will do it that hath a hole in it. It is to prevent the night mare, viz., the Hag, from riding their horses which will sometimes sweat at night. The flint thus hung does hinder it.” Another writer, Grose, quoted in Brand’s “Antiquities,” says: “A stone with a hole in it hung at the bed’s head will prevent the nightmare. It is therefore called a Hag Stone from that disorder which is occasioned by a Hag or Witch sitting on the stomach of the party afflicted. It also prevents witches riding horses: for which purpose it is often tied to a stable key.”
“Hang up Hooks and Sheers to scare
Hence the Hag that rides the mare.”
Herrick.
These flints were called Holy or Holey Stones in the North of England, also Ephialtes stones, Night Mare or Witch Riding Stones, and Butler mentions the chasing away of evil spirits by hollow flint. The “Mare” of Night Mare is derived from the Saxon Mara, an incubus, which attacked during sleep, depriving the victim of movement and speech. The Mara or Mare is an order of vampires. Hebrew MARIA, an evil spirit against which the flint is a charm. As a correspondent of flint, Emanuel Swedenborg gives Truth. Its connection with the ninth heavenly mansion is well defined. Flint is under the celestial Sagittarius.
“Without the aid of yonder golden globe
Lost were the garnet’s lustre.”
Smart.