Pictured: Central Oregon Coast, March 18, 2023
If you live near or have visited the central Oregon coast, you may find these quite often while beachcombing. In case you didn’t already know, they are called Hag Stones. There is some cool folklore associated with these.
First some science.
They can be made of any solid rock that has been worn down by water over a long period of time. The most common are made of limestone, sandstone or flint. The main ones found at the Oregon Coast are either Basalt (a volcanic material found in abundance in our state) or sandstone (a very brittle material that will break easily). I haven’t ever seen one made of limestone or flint, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t out there!
Now for some fun folklore!
In old British folklore, hag stones were hung with a red string by the house door for protection against evil in many forms. Also, placing a box of hag stones under your front porch guards your home. They can also protect you from nightmares if hung over your bed. More folklore suggests you can see fairies, elementals, or spirits by looking through the hole in the hag stone. Ancient Druids also believed the hag stones had healing properties, divination powers, and if you carried one, you would be victorious against your enemies. They were thought to increase fertility and were also used during childbirth to protect mother and child. If a hag stone breaks, it has served it’s purpose and should be returned to nature.
Some alternative names for hag stones include: Adder stone, Odin’s stone, Serpent Eggs, Witch stones, Hex stones, etc.
Finding hag stones is considered especially good luck. Now you know when you see them, just how cool they are!
Sources:
https://archive.org/details/afl2317.0001.001.umich.edu/page/170/mode/2up
https://www.thepeculiarbrunette.com/hag-stone/
Hollow Hills Ranch 