The Mau-Piqueur, Soul Hunter of the Gâvre Forest
Location: G5JW+RP Le Gâvre, France
Mythical Creatures
by @anton
The Mau-Piqueur is a sinister figure said to haunt the Forest of Gâvre. Known as the "Harbinger of Sorrow," he carries a hunting horn and leads a black hound on a leash, as if searching for a trail. When he sounds his horn, the hunt begins—but his prey walks on two legs.
Flames stream from the Mau-Piquou's eyes, and his mere appearance is an omen of death. Whoever sees him knows that their days are numbered.
According to tradition, he cries:
Beasts by their trails, Quarry by their tracks, Make way for the damned souls!
As a supernatural hunter pursuing human souls, the Mau-Piqueu belongs to the wider European tradition of the Wild Hunt.
Source :
Paul Sébillot, Tradition et superstitions de la Haute Bretagne, édition G.P Maisonneuve Souvestre E, Les Derniers Paysans, Tome II, Septième récit
Part of the legend: Wild Hunt
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