© 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 …
By Kevin Pilley , a freelance writer for numerous publications including The Telegraph , USA Today , Irish Times and many , many more .