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. This week, we head to Côtes-d'Armor.
On the wild coast of Ploumanac’h, where the famous pink granite rocks shape the landscape, stands a discreet but no less important fountain: the Saint-Guirec fountain. This place is the setting of a particular tradition.
The story goes that Saint Guirec, a monk from across the Channel, landed on these shores long ago to evangelize the Breton lands. A man of faith and wisdom, he became the protector of sailors and souls seeking love. Moved by the prayers of young women wishing for a sincere union, he is said to have granted this fountain a special power: that of granting marriage wishes.
Since then, young women who wish to marry within the year come to the fountain, a pin in hand. According to custom, they must stick it on the nose of the saint’s statue at low tide, as it is erected in the middle of the waves. If the pin stays in place despite the rising waters, then their wish will come true within the year. But if it falls and disappears, it means the hoped-for love will have to wait a little longer.
Only those whose hearts are sincere and whose intentions are pure will see their destiny fulfilled. Some even say that Saint Guirec himself watches over his fountain and quietly breathes on the pins, as if to probe the souls confiding in him...
