Issue No. 28

© Aurelie Polvet Tourist Office Broceliande
and symbolizes the fusion of Arthurian
legend with Celtic traditions and
Christian faith. The mosaics, paintings
and stained glass are all the work of a
priest, Henri Gillard. The Celtic influence
is symbolized by the oaks and acorns in
the large stained glass window.
A fairy castle
All the Arthurian tours of Brocéliande
finish at Comper Castle, former
stronghold of the king of Brittany. Here,
Merlin is reputed to have created a
crystal palace for the faerie Vivian so that
none could gaze upon her. It’s believed
to be buried in the lake where she is said
to have swum with the baby Sir Lancelot
after finding him abandoned. It’s why he
is called Sir Lancelot of the Lake and she
is known as the Lady of the Lake.
“They all come here and try not to
look but they all do,” said my guide as
we watched a group of schoolchildren
looking down into the water.
“They all look, hoping to see Merlin or
catch a sight of the Lady of the Lake.
They look for a long time. They are
convinced they are both down there.
They want to believe. It is an entrance
to another world. The whole place is a
dream world. It has a very otherworldly
feel.”
We did not see any white-footed stags
ferrying souls to the eternal shores,
meet any mad washerwomen, ogres
or medieval maiden in white dresses.
Apparitions were thin on the ground. No
black knights challenged us to mortal
combat. But it does feel special…
For further information about guided
tours of the area contact Centre
L’Imaginaire Arthurien, Comper-en-
Brocéliande Castle
By Kevin Pilley, a freelance writer for
numerous publications including The
Telegraph, USA Today, Irish Times and
many, many more.