As you may know, behind Aeternum is a small business based in Brittany (specifically in the south of Finistère). And it is well known that this region lives to the rhythm of legends, myths, and magical practices, some more or less known (Brocéliande, Merlin, the Fairy Viviane, the Alignments, and many others). Thus, to highlight our beautiful region, we will regularly publish little-known legends from Breton history. This week, we head to the Côtes d'Armor.
Once upon a time, in Penvénan, lived Fant Ar Merrer, a spinner whose reputation extended beyond the borders of Brittany. Every Wednesday, she went to Tréguier to sell her thread, always flawless and of unmatched fineness. One Tuesday evening, she decided to go to bed early, determined to leave at the first light of dawn.
During the night, Fant suddenly woke up, believing that day was already breaking on the horizon. The sky seemed to be clearing. Without waiting, she got ready and set off towards Tréguier. Her path led her to the foot of Croaz Ar Braban hill, topped by an imposing granite cross. There, she met a young unknown man walking in the same direction as her. They decided to continue together.
As they approached the summit, the young man grabbed Fant’s arm and gently pushed her into the embankment, away from the path. He stood in front of her, as if to protect her. “Let’s stay here,” he whispered. Suddenly, a terrifying noise broke the silence of the night. A deep rumble, like moving thunder, was rapidly approaching.
A figure then emerged from the darkness: a woman running at a supernatural speed, barely touching the ground. Her face, distorted by terror, was lit by an expression of despair. Her long hair flew behind her as she screamed a chilling cry. Two monstrous dogs chased her. One was as black as night, the other as white as snow. With each leap of the beasts, the ground trembled.
The frantic woman finally reached the stone cross at the top of the hill. As she rushed toward the calvary, the black dog leapt and caught the hem of her torn dress. She then grabbed the tree of the cross with desperate strength. The black dog let out a terrifying bark before disappearing like a shadow swept away by the wind. The white dog slowed its pace, approached the woman, and gently licked her wounds, as if to soothe her pain. The unfortunate woman collapsed at the foot of the cross.
The young man who accompanied Fant turned to her and helped her up. “You can continue your journey now, but know that it is only midnight. Never take the paths at such an hour again. You should not witness these things. I will not always be here to protect you.” Then, in a serious tone, he added: “When you reach Kervénou, enter the first house you see. You will find a dying man there. Spend the night praying at his bedside and do not leave until dawn.”
Without waiting for a response, he walked away, leaving Fant stunned. As he disappeared into the darkness, she called after him, her voice trembling: “But who are you?!”
The young man slightly turned and calmly replied without hesitation: “Your guardian angel.” Then he vanished into the darkness.
