The Mellači Stone (known also as the Melnacis Stone, Mellači Lielakmens (Large Stone)) is one of the most secular stones of North Vidzeme — according to its length it is the 2nd largest (in Latvia — 14th). It is wrapped up in tales and legends, associated with the cult of Pērkonis (The Thunder), where Pērkons solved disagreements between quarrelling landowners. The length of the stone is 6.3 m, width of 4.6 m, height of 3.8 m, circumference of 17.7 m, volume of 36 m³, together with the split part it would be of 40 m³. It is split into two parts. Through the stone chink (in spring, autumn) a brook flows— the Ēķinupe River tributary to the Maurupīte River. An outstanding picturesque element. Heritage of parish significance. Nearby is Burtnieki, the Burtnieki Lake, the Dambji Oak, etc.
Narrative
“In the middle of the little river that divides two neighbouring lands, a large stone is situated. Due to its size it is called the Large Stone. The following tale has remained about this stone: in older times two neighbours had a quarrel about who would own the stone. Both wanted to own the stone. Thus because of the stone, hatred arose between the neighbours. Pērkons (the Thunder) heard and saw this, he did not like this hatred at all. He decided to stop it. One day when both neighbours were asleep, a storm arose, and then Pērkons struck the large stone in great anger splitting it into two parts. Thus both neighbours got their own part. Having woken up because of the thunderclap, they both rushed in the direction of the noise and met at the split stone. Both of them looked at each other ashamed, then shook hands and the hatred between them vanished. Now each of them owned half of the large stone, but Pērkons was very satisfied with himself that he succeeded to make peace between the neighbours.” (1978, 2674 A. Ancelāne, extract from an album of the Burtnieki School in Valmiera, 1966; compiled by I. Ruberte, 1999, Valmiera County Tales (Valmieras novada teikas.))
