King Arthur Chucked Out of Stonehenge

Self-styled Druid chief loses bid

(NEWSER) - The injustice! King Arthur Uther Pendragon cannot reclaim 5,000-year-old remains that were dug up at Stonehenge, a British judge has ruled. But don’t get too riled up: Pendragon isn’t actually related to the legendary kind of yore, although he is chief of the Loyal Arthurian Warband Druid order. No, he’s just a 57-year-old man who changed his name legally and is concerned that the cremated remains, which Sheffield University researchers have been given the OK to keep until 2015, will never be returned to their rightful resting place, the AP reports. More»

Thousands gather to witness traditional ceremonies

(NEWSER) - More than 18,000 people gathered at Stonehenge to celebrate summer solstice, witnessing sunrise on the longest day of the year. The Telegraph ’s article on the event is full of fun little tidbits: The revelers are described as “an eclectic mix of sun worshippers, hippies, and pagans,” and a Druid named Arthur Uther Pendragon conducted the traditional pagan ceremonies. Not surprisingly, about 20 people were arrested for minor drug infractions. More»

It's gaining converts because of an emphasis on nature

(USER SUBMITTED) - Druidry has been officially recognized as a religion in Britain, complete with charitable status and tax breaks. The UK government acknowledged that the Celtic pagan faith, which originated in Ireland and Britain thousands of years ago, is a religion in its own right and deserves the same benefits as the more mainstream religions, reports AFP . More»

Finding indicates far vaster religious complex

(NEWSER) - Rejoice, druids everywhere. An underground wooden Stonehenge "sister" has been discovered less than a mile north of the famous structure, convincing researchers that the site was a far grander prehistoric religious complex than previously envisioned. Scientists using sophisticated ground-penetrating X-ray machines have found what appears to have been a circle of 24 massive timber obelisks, constructed some 4,500 years ago. The monument, likely a Neolithic temple, mirrors a similar construction on the other side of Stonehenge. All three monuments are roughly aligned. More»

(NEWSER) - Liberal politicians in Britain are demanding that advertisers stop altering stars' images, including enhancing Keira Knightley's bust and trimming the muscle from Madonna's arms, reports the Independent. Such alternations put more pressure on teen girls already mortified about their looks, say Liberal Democrats, who are pushing for a bill banning enhancements of photos of people in ads aimed at teens. More»