As you may know, behind Aeternum lies a small business based in Brittany (in southern Finistère, to be precise). And it is well known that this region lives to the rhythm of legends, myths, and magical practices, more or less well known (Brocéliande, Merlin, the Lady of the Lake, the Alignments, and many others). So, to highlight our beautiful region, we will regularly publish little-known legends from Breton history.
This week, we head out to sea off the Breton coast, toward the West (by which we mean, in the direction where the sun sets). A legendary land where heroes rest after death and where magic reigns.
Morgane is described as a healer and an enchantress of great wisdom. In some versions of the legend, she learned the arts of healing and spellcraft from Merlin, the great magician of King Arthur's court. Morgane possesses immense power, but she is also an ambivalent character, capable of leaning toward good or evil depending on circumstances and her motivations (you only need to read the legend of the Vale of No Return to see this).
After the Battle of Camlann, where King Arthur is gravely wounded, Morgane intervenes to save her brother. Aware that ordinary care will not be enough to heal his mortal wounds, she decides to take him to the Isle of Avalon, a sacred place where the laws of the mortal world do not apply.
The Isle of Avalon is described in legend as a true earthly paradise, hidden from mortal eyes. It is an island protected by mist, where time seems to pass differently. Nature is lush there, the trees are always in bloom, the fruit ripens all year round, and the waters of its rivers are crystal clear. Avalon is a place of peace and serenity, where the souls of deceased heroes find eternal rest.
The stories describe Avalon as being inhabited by powerful women, priestesses or fairies, who watch over the souls of the dead. Morgane is the most eminent among them, and she is the one who cares for King Arthur after the Battle of Camlann. Thanks to her healing powers, she ensures that Arthur remains alive in a state of magical sleep, awaiting the prophetic day when he will be called upon to return and save his kingdom.
Of course, it is impossible to find this island in our mortal condition. But I can offer one piece of advice: become a hero or heroine in your everyday life, and you may have the privilege of resting there after your mortal life...
Par Olivier of Aeternum
Passionate about esoteric traditions and the history of the occult from the earliest civilizations to the 18th century, I share some articles on these topics. I am also co-creator of the online esoteric shop Aeternum.
