Legends say that the top once sported a stone circle like Stonehenge. It may even have been designed as such by those who foresaw the flood, and who deliberately infused the Tor with extra power and intent, thus making it our direct link to an ancient lost world.

This would make it an important focus of regeneration and life, both symbolically and practically. Many thousands of years ago, the Tor may have been one of seven islands that were left unsubmerged by a great flood. Modern archeology agrees with the folklore about that. Its as if the genius loci of the Tor is an especially powerful spirit of place: able to attract and foster all kinds of ideas, but bigger than all of them like a giant ancient tree with its ever-changing population of little birds and squirrels.

Nature mythology, paganism, Christian legends, and newer ideas about life the universe and everything have all found a comfortable, nurturing niche for themselves within Tor lore. Like Glastonbury, the Tor has come to host a large variety of mystical beliefs. An otherworldly being met on the Tor might be called a fairy in one century, a nature spirit in another and ET in more recent years. Strange experiences here are usually interpreted according to the beliefs of the times. In their various ways, these tales all demonstrate one thing that the Tor is a place where the veil between the worlds is thin. It dominates the town and the surrounding landscape, and is the first sign to the traveller that Glastonbury is drawing near.Ĭenturies of legends and folklore have gathered around this Tor.

The soft green hill of the Tor, crowned with its enigmatic tower, has become a symbol of Glastonbury. Magical Mystery Tor Magical Mystery Tor Legends, folklore and strange experiences around Glastonbury Tor by Atasha McMillan

Glastonbury tor at night