As you may know, behind Aeternum is a small business based in Brittany (specifically in the south of Finistère). 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 lesser-known legends from Breton history.
Let’s discover together the legend of the Fountain of Barenton, a magical place where Merlin and the Fairy Viviane are said to have met for the very first time. This is not exactly a story, but a very ancient and mysterious place that has become over the centuries a true pilgrimage site for any visitor to the Brocéliande forest (Paimpont).
The legend says that Merlin, long ago in his youth, discovered the Fountain of Barenton during his wanderings in the Brocéliande forest. This fountain is said to have been created even earlier by the first druids. The sparkling water of this fountain had a reputation for magical properties, capable of altering the course of time and nature. It was also said that its waters could reveal visions, change the fate of those who dared to immerse themselves, or that it had miraculous healing virtues, able to cure madness or diseases (an anti-tuberculosis sanatorium almost came to be established there). Moreover, the name Barenton comes from the Breton Bel Nemeton, meaning "shining place," certainly due to the water bubbles that form completely at random and in every season.
Merlin, fascinated by the fountain and its mysteries, one day met the fairy Viviane there, also known as the Lady of the Lake. It was by this fountain that he taught her the secrets of magic and the art of enchantments. Their love was born on the edge of this miraculous water... and it is also here that Merlin, blinded by his love for Viviane, allowed himself to be trapped by his own spells, enabling Viviane to imprison him in an air prison surrounded by five magical elemental circles. But I will tell you that legend in another article.
One legend says that if you pour water from the fountain onto its edge (called Merlin’s step, a flat stone), a very powerful storm awakens. Arthur himself, intrigued by this legend, supposedly tried the experiment, causing a storm so violent that his knights begged him to stop.
If you decide to visit this magical place, focus on the surface and the bubbles coming from the bottom; it is said that you can see Merlin’s face...
[bloctwist]
