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Origin and history

The Berthe spindle is an imposing menhir located in the commune of Séverac, in the Loire-Atlantique department, in the Pays de la Loire region. This megalithic monument is distinguished by its rectangular shape seen from the front, measuring 3.50 meters high, 2 meters wide and 0.60 meters thick. Seen from a profile, his ogival silhouette earned him his evocative name of "zone". At the back, it appears chipped, suggesting a larger original height, and could have been Christianized by adding a cross at its top.

The menhir is located at the place called the Rocher-de-la-Vache, a rocky chaos that reinforces its mystery. However, its initial protection was subsequently cancelled as historical monuments in 1990. The site is associated with a rich folklore: according to legend, the surrounding stones were lost by the fairy Melusine on her journey to Carnac. Other accounts evoke dwarves, wild beasts, or a cloud accompanied by galloping sounds, testifying to ancient pagan beliefs.

To Christianize this pre-Christian place of worship, a chapel dedicated to Saint Michael and a statue of the archangel terrorizing the dragon were erected there. These elements illustrate the superposition of religious traditions throughout the centuries. The menhir, now owned by an association, remains a significant testimony of megalithism in the Loire-Atlantique, between history, legend and architectural heritage.

The location of the monument, on the Route des Jaunas in Severac, is specified by GPS coordinates, although the accuracy of this location is considered poor (level 5/10). The site, although protected, does not appear to be systematically open to the visit, and its access probably depends on local or associative initiatives.

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