What is a Breton legend?

A Breton legend is a folk tale handed down orally across the centuries, combining history, myth and fantasy . These stories often feature natural elements (forests, rocks and moorlands, for example), fantastical creatures (such as korrigans, fairies and dragons) and historical or religious figures. They’re an integral part of the Breton cultural identity.

How have Breton legends come down to us?

Initially transmitted by word of mouth of an evening they were finally written down and collected in and after the 19th century. A deeply rooted Celtic legacy, they were enriched by Christian, popular and literary influences along the way.

What role does King Arthur play in Brittany?

Arthur and his court have left their mark on Great Britain… as well as on Brittany! In Brocéliande Forest , near Paimpont , the adventures of Merlin, the water fairy Viviane and the Knights of the Round Table still resonate. A place where history, medieval literature and legends intermingle.

Who (or what) is the Ankou?

In Breton tradition, the Ankou personifies death . A skeleton in a black cloak, he drives his cart, carrying off the souls of the dead along the way. Feared yet respected, he’s a reminder of bygone ancestors and the eternal cycle of life.

Where can you find the places associated with these legends?

Wherever you are in Brittany, its landscapes whisper their stories. In Brocéliande Forest in Paimpont and its surroundings, immerse yourself in the Arthurian cycle with Merlin, Viviane and the Fountain of Barenton. Douarnenez Bay keeps the submerged secret of the city of Ys. The Arrée Mountains harbour the shadows of the Ankou and the wandering souls he has collected. And in Locronan , every stone still resonates with Christian and Celtic legends. View our selection of 6 places that’ll make you shudder with pleasure !

Are Breton legends still told today?

Yes! Storytellers, festivals and guided tours keep them alive all year round. Storytelling walks, live performances and festivals – such as Pendragon at Château de Comper in Brocéliande and the Story Festival in Baden … For total immersion, discover them by bike with the Brocéliande Bike Tour or lose yourself with Yann in the mysterious Traouiëro Valley in Perros-Guirec.

5 Breton legends to spook you out

A vampire shrieking in the storm. Shrouds drying under the moon. A cursed lighthouse. Brittany is a land of legends where the worst can always happen. Brrr! It’s best not to go wandering at certain times of day: the proof in 5 Breton legends and tales. Fascinating stories that have crossed generations… and are sure to give you the shivers.

In a blink of an eye

1. The Washerwomen of the Night

In Pays de Brocéliande, they busy themselves on the riverbank after nightfall, scrubbing their white linen. But, between ourselves, doing the laundry by moonlight… something smells wrong. Come closer. That’s it – they’re washing shrouds. Not bed linen. All very atmospheric… You’d like to give them a hand? Don’t even think about it! And keep your arms hidden: they’ll break them and then force you to wring out the linen of the dead. An ancient song in Breton suddenly rises above the splashing waters – enough to freeze the blood of the bravest among you. An encounter to avoid, unless you actually like getting entangled… in your worst nightmares.

©Bais - La Mettrie - Découpe de pain - Gîte Aux Bonnes Herbes|Noémie Lefèvre

2. The Bread of the Dead in Locronan

Ah, Locronan. Its little cobbled streets, its granite heart and its bread of the dead… Its whattt?! Let me explain: In the days of the Celts, the village was already held sacred. Here, 1 November isn’t just All Saints’ Day. Samonios, the Celtic New Year is also celebrated, the day when the borders between the living and the dead blur. On the Sunday that follows, the bread of the dead is distributed from house to house. With a little sugar to ease sorrow. A ritual both solemn and mysterious, like an echo reverberating from elsewhere.

©Couple enjoying beautiful views on the ocean, standing together near the car on the rocky coast, showing with hands heart shape. Carefree lifestyle, love and travel concept

Ideas

The inratables of the summer, the place to be to treat yourself to a seafood platter, the best views on the GR®34, the best spots to start surfing… in short, all the good...

3. The Tévennec revenant

Just imagine: spending night after night in a lighthouse in the middle of the ocean. Howling winds, raging waves…The whole shebang. And one more thing: when it comes to the Tévennec lighthouse, in Raz de Sein across from the Pointe du Van promontory1, its keepers never left unscathed. Some of them lost their lives there, victims of an invisible spirit that eats away the soul. Gnawing madness, walls that close in… Rumour has it the lighthouse is cursed. These days it’s automated – phew! Coincidence? Or the only way of preventing the spectre from doing it all over again?

4. The Vampire of Sein Island

In the Middle Ages, an evil monk was exiled on Sein Island. Forever. His punishment? To wander for all eternity and feed on the energy of the living. Ever since then, when storms rumble, his shadow haunts alleyways and shorelines. Trust us – we’ve felt his icy breath on our necks at night. A real Celtic vampire. And if that wasn’t enough, the island was once a Druid sanctuary… Suffice to say that, on stormy nights, even among the most sceptical, locking your door is the general rule. And maximum chills.

5. The Oceanside Thiercelieux

It hides more than a mop of hair under its wide hat. The Bugul-Noz, “night shepherd” in Brittany, is a creature akin to a werewolf. Dressed in a long black cloak, it prowls Morbihan’s woods and countryside near Vannes. Woe to the children who loiter outside after sunset: a hiss and whoosh – swallowed whole! Same punishment, same motive for guilty sinners. Whispered to children in bygone days, the legend is re-enacted today on France Télévision, in the series Anaon. Ready to awaken your nightmares?

FAQ :

What is a Breton legend?
A Breton legend is a folk tale handed down orally across the centuries, combining history, myth and fantasy. These stories often feature natural elements (forests, rocks and moorlands, for example), fantastical creatures (such as korrigans, fairies and dragons) and historical or religious figures. They’re an integral part of the Breton cultural identity.
How have Breton legends come down to us?
Initially transmitted by word of mouth of an evening they were finally written down and collected in and after the 19th century. A deeply rooted Celtic legacy, they were enriched by Christian, popular and literary influences along the way.
What role does King Arthur play in Brittany?
Arthur and his court have left their mark on Great Britain… as well as on Brittany! In Brocéliande Forest, near Paimpont, the adventures of Merlin, the water fairy Viviane and the Knights of the Round Table still resonate. A place where history, medieval literature and legends intermingle.
Who (or what) is the Ankou?
In Breton tradition, the Ankou personifies death. A skeleton in a black cloak, he drives his cart, carrying off the souls of the dead along the way. Feared yet respected, he’s a reminder of bygone ancestors and the eternal cycle of life.
Where can you find the places associated with these legends?
Wherever you are in Brittany, its landscapes whisper their stories. In Brocéliande Forest in Paimpont and its surroundings, immerse yourself in the Arthurian cycle with Merlin, Viviane and the Fountain of Barenton. Douarnenez Bay keeps the submerged secret of the city of Ys. The Arrée Mountains harbour the shadows of the Ankou and the wandering souls he has collected. And in Locronan, every stone still resonates with Christian and Celtic legends. View our selection of 6 places that’ll make you shudder with pleasure!
Are Breton legends still told today?
Yes! Storytellers, festivals and guided tours keep them alive all year round. Storytelling walks, live performances and festivals – such as Pendragon at Château de Comper in Brocéliande and the Story Festival in Baden… For total immersion, discover them by bike with the Brocéliande Bike Tour or lose yourself with Yann in the mysterious Traouiëro Valley in Perros-Guirec.