Page:Shetland Folk-Lore - Spence - 1899.pdf/100

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Prehistoric Remains

superstitious dread. The person who had the hardihood to walk the Rounds o' Tivla (Crucifell) alone at midnight was proof against fear arising from the presence of trows.

Another formation generally consists of three stones. They are commonly called in the districts where they are found cross stanes, often pronounced craw's stanes. The centre stone is higher than the other two, which form a sort of seat, one at each side of the middle stone. Examples occur, one near the berg of Venstrie, another at Millya Gorda, Unst, and elsewhere throughout the islands.

It may be remarked that the number three enters largely into the superstitions of the Shetlander, as is commonly the case in all mythic lore. For instance, three corbies flying over a house was considered an evil omen, and foreboded a death. Three wishes expressed during the visibility of a shooting star were sure to

happen. A fire-brand borne three times

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