breizh 56 - Konkored - gwezenn derv guillotin B

Snemann, on June 15, 2007, said:

Magnificent! What is the story on this old giant?

Edern T., on June 15, 2007, said:

Hi Snemann, thanks for commenting this picture. I told the story of this tree in the forum, but, well, we miss the forum.

As I was looking on the web for some details to tell the story again, I discovered the whole history of the tree here. I never heard the begenning before, but as all Breton Legends, I'm sure that this one is true. I'll try to translate in English.

This hollow tree has several names like "le chêne Eon" (Eon's Oak) or "le chêne à guillotin" (Guillotin's Oak). It is about 800 or 1000 years old. According to the text I've just found, its first name was "the wolf's oak".

A young lady living near the forest of Broceliande adopted a young wolf. But she had to release it in the woods as everybody but her was scared by the animal. Years later, she was attacked by bandits near the woods. A big wolf came to save her. Of course, it was her wolf, grown up. To celebrate the event, she planted an oak tree and established a nuns community beside (which is quite astonishing because in most breton legend, they have a chapel built to celebrate such an event!).

According to the legend, this was on September 21, 1145. The tree would be 862 years old.

But much later, another story is linked with this tree. During the French revolution, A priest named Guillotin refused to pledge allegiance to the new republican authories. As soldier were looking for him, he fled in the woods and hide inside this hollow tree and lived there. Some tell than at least 10 persons could come inside. I did it when I was younger (and thiner !).

As the priest was inside, a spider, inspirated by the Virgin Mary, made its web. The soldiers passed by but when they saw the web, they did not looked inside.

Since year 2000, the tree is protected. A wooden fence and a gallery have been constructed to permit visits without destroying it.

I Hope you enjoyed the story.