The Stone Giants of Manpupuner
On a remote plateau in the northern Urals stand seven stone pillars. The Mansi people say they are giants turned to stone.
What was reported
On the Manpupuner plateau in the northern Urals, seven rock pillars between about 30 and 42 metres tall stand in a row, far from any road. Their name in the Mansi language means 'small mountain of idols'.
A Mansi legend says six giants were chasing the Mansi people across the mountains, when a shaman turned them to stone, and himself with them.
Explanations offered
Geologists say the pillars are made of hard rock that resisted erosion while softer rock around them was worn away by wind, frost and rain over hundreds of millions of years. They are one of the Seven Wonders of Russia, chosen in a national vote in 2008.
- When
- Ancient legend
- Where
- Manpupuner plateau, Komi Republic, Russia
- Witnesses
- Mansi people, hikers and visitors
- Status
- Explained
Famous cases are real, widely reported events. Each file sets out what witnesses said and the explanations that have been offered, without taking a side.