Why do people make stone men?
Stone stacks, also known as stone men, have different functions and meanings from one culture to another. According to Greek mythology, the first stone pile was made by the gods when Hermes stood in court. In Scandinavian countries like Norway and Iceland, stone piles serve as protection from trolls and as landmarks in foggy weather. Among the Eskimos, stone piles help promote reindeer hunting and there are also cultures where stone piles are sacred (Buddhism). For most Western cultures, stone piles serve as navigation or to confirm a place. In the Alps, the weather can change quickly and visibility can suddenly be greatly reduced. Many paths are now well-signposted, but a large number of trails are still marked with stone men.
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