The Ankou is a mythical and folkloric figure of Celtic culture, especially in Brittany, France. It is described as a spirit or supernatural being who leads the dead to their eternal rest.
Who is the Ankou?
The Ankou appears as an elderly man with a long white beard, usually depicted with a long black cloak. He is often equipped with a scythe and a cart which he uses to transport the deceased.
In popular tradition, the Ankou is said to be the last being to die in a village or community in a year, and after his death, he becomes in charge of collecting the souls of the dead in the following year. The presence of this being is considered an omen of bad luck and is associated with death and despair.
Despite its shadowy appearance, the Ankou is also seen as a protective figure, guiding the dead on their way to the afterlife. In Celtic culture, death was not seen as an end, but as a transition to a new cycle of life.
In addition to its name in Breton, Ankow is also the name in Cornish or is known as Angau in Welsh. If we check other cultures it is known as La Parca for Latins or in English as Grim Reaper.
Ankou and the gate of hell in Brittany
The Hell’s Gates where the Ankou guides us opens according to Breton legend opens in the Yeun Ellez. Located in the Mont d’Arrée which is in the center of Finistère, it is a marshy depression located right in the center.
According to legend, the Hell’s Gates is said to be direct access to the underworld and hell. Once a year, during the night of St. John, the gate opens and evil spirits and demons can come out to cause destruction and curse in the world of the living. However, it is also said that those who have the courage to enter the Gate of Hell can obtain magical powers and riches.
In popular culture, the legend of Hell’s Gate in Yeun Ellez has become a metaphor for danger and temptation, and has been used as a warning to those who seek adventure or power without considering the consequences. Despite its grim nature, the legend of Hell’s Gate has been an important part of Breton culture for centuries.
The Ankou in literature and culture
The Ankou has been a recurring theme in the folkloric and mythical literature of Brittany and France. In many legends and folk tales, this character is described as a powerful and terrifying being. Resembling the figure of a judge of the dead or a gatekeeper of death.
In addition, the Ankou has been a source of inspiration for many writers, musicians and poets. Have used his figure as a symbolism to represent death, the end and the transition into the unknown. As we see, he is often presented as a shadowy and mysterious character, who wields great power over the dead and over those still living.
Overall, this is an important figure in Celtic mythology, has been incorporated into literature and art in various forms, from folk literature to poetry and prose. Is an important part of the cultural tradition and collective memory of Brittany and France.
Literature about this myth
- “Tales and legends of Brittany” by François-Marie Luzel.
- “La légende de l’Ankou” by Théodore Hersart de la Villemarqué.
- “Légendes populaires de la Basse-Bretagne” by Paul Sébillot
- “Contes populaires de la Haute-Bretagne” by Paul Sébillot
- “Legends and traditions of Brittany” by Marie Henri d’Arbois de Jubainville.
- “Legends and folk tales of Brittany” by Marie-Jeanne L’Héritier de Villandon.
- “The tale of the scythe” by Maxence Fermine
