Kviahellan: The Pen Slab

In competitive sports today, there are many ways that athletes test and measure their strength. Several hundred years ago there was a simple and common method: find the biggest stone in a field and see who could lift it. Certain stones, over time, became known as Manhood Stones, or Claid Cuid Firs in Gaelic. These stones are still around as well as a few stout men who are willing to test their resolve and strength by attempting to lift one off the ground.

We were able to explore this little known and ancient custom through Steve Jeck, a Junior High School Physical Education Teacher in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Approaching his fortieth birthday, Steve was ready to face another milestone: lift Kviahellan, perhaps the world’s greatest Manhood Stone. This would require Steve to travel to Iceland where he would attempt to lift the 418 lb. stone slab up to his chest and then walk it around a 50-meter goat pen, according to the ancient Icelandic custom.

Kviahellan: The Pen Slab documents Steve Jeck’s unique quest to attempt to do what few men have ever dared, and fewer have ever accomplished.