Beyond the Hoar Stone

Abstract

An interesting, if easily overlooked, formulaic expression in Old English literature, se harne stan, "hoar stone," indicates the boundary between the known, familiar world of human activity and the frightening realm of monsters, the supernatural and unusual adventure. The hero who sees this marker is forewarned and if he treads further, he does so with the knowledge that a normal struggle with an earthly foe must not be expected.