If the stone touches the wall, Ragnarok will break loose

The big stone leaning against the wall of this church comes with a frightening spell. 

King Hakon Håkonsson gave permission to build Avaldsnes church, which was completed in 1320. It was then the fourth largest in Norway and was dedicated to St. Olav and received the title of Royal Chapel of Hakon Magnusson. Avaldsnes was a center of power in the historical period and the Viking Age. 

The big bauta was one of many raised nearby. This one, called "Mary’s sewing needle" is placed very close to the church, leaning towards it. If it touches the wall, we will all die, according to the old sagas. 

The stone stands just outside the north wall of the nave. It is currently 7.2 meters high. But much of the top is removed over time.

The legend says that doomsday comes when this memorial stone touches the church wall. During centuries, the the priests at Avaldsnes, could go out in the cover of darkness and carve pieces of the top. Thus they saved the world from destruction.

One can imagine the scene with the priests, in their robes, sneaking around the corner after closing hours, climb up the stone and then cut off pieces. Anything to save the world from going under.

The stone have yet to touch the church wall. Perhaps priests today still sneak out in the night to ensure the Earth's survival?

The tale of judgement day may have roots back to the ancient Christian period before churches were built, as it was customary to devote such pagan cult places to the archangel Michael. And Michael is the archangel who will blow the souls out for doomsday and weigh who will go to heaven and who are perishing. Also Hakon Håkonsson had respect for this stone: The church wall was in fact inclined to prevent contact with the monument.

Let’s hope that the priest working in the church today will continue their predecessors and go out in the night and savie the world.