As you may know, behind Aeternum is a small business based in Brittany (in the south of Finistère to be precise). And it is well known that this territory lives to the rhythm of legends, myths, and magical practices more or less known (Brocéliande, Merlin, the Fairy Viviane, the Alignments, and many more). Thus, to highlight our beautiful region, we will regularly publish little-known legends from Breton history.
Let's discover together the legend of the Korrigans' round dance, a bewitching dance of these little beings living in hidden Brittany....
The Korrigans (a Breton word meaning tiny-tiny-dwarfs) are creatures often compared to elves or gnomes. They are known as nature spirits, living in moors, forests, ancient stones, and springs in Brittany. According to legend, the Korrigans are very attached to their treasures and domains. They can be benevolent towards humans but are also capable of mischief and spells if offended, if someone tries to take their belongings, or... simply if they feel like it! It is even said that some are completely malevolent.
For example, the Korrigans have the power to become invisible at will and to change shape. They often use these abilities to play tricks on humans or to help them discreetly, depending on their mood. Legends say that to protect yourself from their spells or to gain their favor, you must offer them gifts, such as milk or food, especially during certain special nights like Saint John's Eve (June 24). It is also said that they are particularly active during Samhain and seek to trap the living to avenge unjustly dead souls.
But above all, one of their favorite activities is dancing in circles, especially at night, around dolmens, menhirs, or in specific clearings. The Korrigans are known for inviting or luring passersby to join their magical and enchanting circles, trapping the individual in an eternal dance until exhaustion and death.
So, if you hear muffled music while walking at dusk, expect to see Korrigans appear dancing around you. But beware: this means you are their prey!
To avoid being drawn into such a situation, the trick is to ask them a riddle. Yes, the Korrigans being very curious creatures who love riddles, they cannot resist trying to solve one. This will give you time to escape or pass by without being harassed. However, you need to have fairly complex riddles in mind. Here are some examples:
-
I speak all languages, but I have no mouth. What am I? (an echo)
-
I walk with you by day, and rest with you by night. I am always there, but you cannot touch me. What am I? (a shadow)
-
I can be broken without being touched or seen. What am I? (a promise)
-
I go up, I go down, but I don’t move from my place. What am I? (a staircase)
Be sure that the dance will stop immediately and you will see them rack their brains to find the right answer. If you come across a particularly clever group, keep throwing the riddles above. In any case, listen carefully when you are walking around...
[bloctwist]
