Legends

A confusing cast

Brittany teems with legends and mythical figures ; mischievous pixies, mermaids and giants pop up all over the place. In central Brittany, Arthurian figures get tangled in moral knots. In the southwest, accursed Tristan, Ysolde and Marc linger, while Gradlon’s daughter falls for the devil. Across Brittany, tales of Breton saints colour the imagination, and l’Ankou, the Breton Grim Reaper, stalks the land.

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Breton saints  

The most popular Breton legends eulogize the religious men who landed in Brittany in the Dark Ages. Some were said to have travelled across the waters on leaves or in stone boats ; on arrival, they battled with demons, serpents or wicked locals. These local saints became associated with different healing properties, or with protecting farm animals, others still were invoked in the hope of marriage or children. Wherever you go in Brittany, place names and statues remind you of these extraordinary figures.

Breton sinners 

The story of the drowned city of Ys is one of the most powerful in Brittany. Grieving King Gradlon of Quimper spoils his motherless daughter Dahut rotten. St Guénolé warns of trouble, but she insists her father build her a magnificent, churchless town on the waves. It all ends in terrible tears, in the Bay of Douarnenez, according to legend. The star-crossed lovers Tristan and Ysolde, and the jilted King Marc also haunt southwest Brittany. The Breton Grim Reaper, L’Ankou, features large around the region, often appearing to punish those who don’t follow Christian ways.

Breton Arthurian branches 

Breton Arthurian tales mainly take place in the Forest of Brocéliande (now Paimpont) near Rennes. Merlin is star of the show here, although his infatuated pupil Viviane ensnares him in her underwater lake castle. Bitter Morgane exacts her revenge on unfaithful knights in the Vale of No Return. To delve deeper, visit Tréhorenteuc’s church, and the Château de Comper, said to be Lancelot’s childhood home…

Did you know ? 

Certain Breton stone circles are said to be debauched revellers whom God turned to stone !