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 the Monts d'Arrée, which is said to hide a gate to Hell...
One of the sites most associated with this legend is the Yeun Elez, a vast peat bog that was considered a cursed and mysterious place. It is said that the Yeun Elez is a kind of passage between the world of the living and that of the dead. At twilight, it would be possible to see the souls of the damned wandering there, as well as witches or priests who have lost their faith condemned to remain there forever.
According to some, one might even see boiling water there, proof that Hell lies just beneath.
The legend is also linked to the figure of the Ankou, an emblematic character of Breton folklore who is often depicted as the servant of death. The Ankou is said to be responsible for collecting the souls of the deceased to guide them to the afterlife, and it is said that he prowls around the Gate of Hell to carry out this task. It is therefore rather unadvisable to wander there after nightfall...
See you next week for another legend!
[bloctwist]
