Did you know Stonehenge isn’t the only henge found in the UK and Ireland? There’s actually hundreds of earthworks that share characteristics with the infamous monolith.

There are dozens of theories about how the henges were built, some more fantastical than others. That’s the theme of today’s exploration: building lore around monuments and monoliths in fantasy settings.

Creating a Monolith

I’ll note here that for the purposes of this exploration ‘monument’ and ‘monolith’ are used but the specific structure you choose may have a specific name. Just as Stonehenge is considered a henge your fictional monolith will likely have a general term (henge) and a specific name (Stonehenge).

Monoliths Although there are software monoliths, we’re concerned with geological monoliths and formations here.

Get started by looking up different types of monuments and monoliths. Make a short list of defining features and pick at least two interesting types to build out later.

Hint Wikipedia has a list of monument types to get you started.

Once you’ve decided on your two types, notate how they would fit into your world: would they belong to specific areas or people? Are there any features that are carved by extraordinary forces on your world? You should end up with a brief paragraph for each.

Building History

If you don’t already have a name for your new monument or monolith in mind, now is a good time to start jotting down ideas.

Start with determining when it was built. This doesn’t need to be an exact year, but a general idea—i.e. ‘a hundred years ago’ or even ‘in the age of the first tribes’ is entirely acceptable.

For monoliths: you’ll also need to know roughly when it was discovered.

Next, mark down what the monument or monolith was used for. For monuments, this is usually to mark out an important event or holiday.

Finally, list two or three people or figures who would be involved in the creation and/or discovery of your chosen structure. Again, you don’t need to be specific here, you can simply put something like ‘renowned archaeologist’ or ‘historic stonemasons’ if you like.

Bonus Flash Exercise: Take a minute and write a brief flash fiction on either the start of work on the structure or when it’s first uncovered.

As a last step, name your structure.

Building Lore

Like any other well-known landmark or location, your new structure will have its own share of myths, ghost stories and conspiracy theories around it. Your job is to build it.

For more recent items (100-500years): consider superstitions that might have been at play when it was being built. What features might have been included to ward off bad luck? Are there items that may have been placed in the walls or the foundation for one reason or another?

For more historic structures(500+ years ago): consider how the building technologies might have changed over the centuries. How would your modern peoples consider building these same structures challenging? Are there any remainders of primitive marks that were there to aid in construction?

Also consider how time will have damaged the structure. Even stone structures like the pyramids of Egypt have been battered by wind and rain over time, resulting in them losing the original limestone facade.

For everyone involved in either creation or discovery: Consider how their lives may have been impacted by the creation or discovery. How could other events in their lives spark a rumor of curses, superstitions about not disrespecting the building or other warnings about the power the structure holds?

Burial Markers Many cultures the world over have used various methods of marking the graves of their loved ones. These places are especially prone to rumors of ghosts and hauntings, but are still sacred to people whose ancestors are buried in them. Doing a little extra research about the culture you’re borrowing from can remain respectful and avoids harmful tropes or stereotypes.

Once you’ve created your monolith or monument and built out the history and lore, you’re ready for the exercise:

Write a flash fiction about how a visitor to this site changes their view on something after their experiences at the monument. Your word count target is 1,000 words. Get writing!