The Menhirs of Gorron

In the heart of Mayenne, nestled near the town of Gorron, lie the mysterious Menhirs. These ancient standing stones, shrouded in the mists of time, have long been the subject of legend and folklore among visitors and locals alike.

Centuries ago, in a time when the land was wild and untamed, the area around Gorron was inhabited by a tribe of people who revered the natural world. They believed that the spirits of the earth dwelled within the stones, trees, and rivers, guiding and protecting their community. The leader of this tribe was a wise and noble woman named Eila, who was said to possess the ability to commune with these spirits.

One year, a terrible drought struck the land. The rivers dried up, crops failed, and the people were on the brink of despair. Eila, desperate to save her tribe, sought the counsel of the earth spirits. She ventured deep into the ancient forest near the local village of Lebois, where the oldest and largest menhir stood. This stone, known as the La Roche qui Pleure, was believed to be the heart of the earth’s power.

For seven days and nights, Eila fasted and prayed by the ancient monolith, seeking a vision that would guide her people. On the dawn of the eighth day, as the first rays of sunlight touched the stone, Eila received a vision. The spirits instructed her to gather the tribe and erect a circle of menhirs, each stone representing a different element of nature—earth, water, fire, and air.

Upon her return, Eila shared her vision with her people, who, despite their weakened state, gathered their remaining strength to fulfill her request. With great effort, they raised the stones, each one carefully placed according to the spirits’ guidance. As the last stone was set in place, the skies darkened, and a sudden downpour blessed the land, ending the drought.

From that day forward, the Menhirs around Gorron became sacred sited. The tribe believed that the spirits had blessed their efforts and would continue to protect and provide for them as long as the stones stood. Over time, as new generations came and went, the story of Eila and the menhirs was passed down, each telling adding a layer of mystery, intrigue and reverence.

Today, the Menhirs of Gorron stand as silent sentinels, their origins and purpose lost to history but forever etched in the landscape and hearts of those who hear the whispers of ancient tales. Visitors to the site often feel a profound sense of peace and connection to the past, as if the spirits of the earth still linger among the stones, watching over the land and its people.