The Dance of the Korrigans

As you may know, behind Aeternum lies a small company based in Brittany (in southern Finistère, to be precise). It is well known that this region lives to the rhythm of legends, myths, and magical practices that are more or less well known (Brocéliande, Merlin, the Fairy Viviane, the Standing Stones, and many others). Thus, to shed light on our beautiful region, we will regularly publish little-known legends from Breton history.

Let us discover together the legend of the Korrigans' round dance, an enchanting dance performed by these little beings living in hidden Brittany....

The Korrigans (a Breton word meaning little-little-dwarfs) are creatures often compared to elves or gnomes. They are known as nature spirits, inhabiting the moors, forests, ancient stones, and springs of Brittany. According to legend, the Korrigans are very attached to their treasures and domains. They can be benevolent toward humans, but are also capable of mischief and spells if they are offended, if someone tries to seize their possessions, or... simply if they feel like it! It is even said that some are completely malevolent.

For example, the Korrigans have the power to become invisible at will and change shape. They often use these abilities to play tricks on humans or help them discreetly, depending on their mood. Legends say that to protect yourself from their spells or win their favor, you must offer them gifts, such as milk or food, especially on certain special nights like Saint John's Eve (June 24). It is also said that they are particularly active during Samhain and seek to trap the living in order to avenge those who died unjustly.

But above all, one of their favorite activities is dancing in circles, especially at night, around dolmens, menhirs, or in specific clearings. The Korrigans are known for inviting or enticing passersby to join their magical, enchanting circles, trapping the individual in an eternal dance until exhaustion and death.

So, if you hear muffled music while out walking at dusk, expect to see Korrigans dancing around you. But beware: this means that you are their prey!

To avoid being drawn into such a situation, the trick is to ask them a riddle. That's right, the Korrigans are very curious creatures who love riddles, so they cannot resist trying to solve one. This will give you time to escape or pass by without being harassed. However, you need to have some fairly complex riddles in mind. Here are a few examples:

• I speak every language, but I have no mouth. What am I? (an echo)

• I walk with you during the day, and rest with you at night. I am always there, but cannot be touched. What am I? (a shadow)

• I can be broken without being touched or seen. What am I? (a promise)

• I go up, I go down, but I don't move from my place. What am I? (a staircase)

Be certain that the dance will stop immediately and you will see them rack their brains to find the right answer. If you come across a particularly clever group, follow up with the riddles above. In any case, listen carefully when you are out walking...