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, I invite you to discover the legend of the Devil's Cave. If you pass near the Huelgoat forest, a cousin of Brocéliande and a place of many legends, you will certainly pass by the Fairy Pond and especially by the Devil's Cave, which owes its name not to one, but two legends...
The Devil's Illusion
The story begins with a bold revolutionary from the area around Berrien. His fight for freedom and equality had sparked the anger of the Chouans, loyal supporters of the King and fierce opponents of the Revolution. To escape their relentless hunts, the revolutionary took refuge in a mysterious cave nestled in the thick woods of Huelgoat, not far from home.
The night was dark and freezing, and the revolutionary, trembling with cold, lit a large fire of branches to warm himself. On his head, he wore a hat adorned with two red feathers, a symbol of his indomitable determination. He constantly kept a large pitchfork with him, ready to defend himself against anyone who dared threaten his freedom.
When the Chouans entered the cave, the sight before their eyes plunged them into unspeakable terror. Behind the dancing flames of the fire, they thought they saw the threatening shadow of the Devil himself. Panicked, they fled, shouting curses against the Prince of Darkness. Since that memorable night, the cave was named the Devil's Cave... or rather, the Cave of his illusion.
The 99 Inns
Another legend tells that the Devil's Cave is the entrance to a strange passage leading to an enchanting series of 99 inns. At each stage of this journey, guests were welcomed with increasingly delicious dishes and more and more intoxicating drinks, served by maidens of enchanting beauty and unparalleled hospitality.
However, there was one condition to enjoy this: each traveler had to stop at each of the 99 inns. At the 99th and final stage of this gastronomic journey, guests faced the Devil in person. Only those who had kept a clear head and remained sober had the privilege of returning safe and sound to their village.
As for the others, the Devil, armed with his infernal pitchfork, condemned them to an inexorable descent into the depths of hell. Thus, the Devil's Cave became the starting point of the underworld, its entrance requiring a deep descent beneath the rocks.
If you want to see for yourself, visit this cave, but beware: access is somewhat precarious.
[bloctwist]
