Merlin's Tomb

What did the tomb originally look like and why are there only 3 stones left today?

Originally, the Tombeau de Merlin was an approximately 10-12 meter long Allée Couverte (covered corridor), which consisted of about 8 slate slabs. The monumental structure was built between 3000 and 2500 BC. The then owner of the field partially blew up the plant in 1894, hoping to find a legendary treasure in it.

Who associated the tomb with Merlin in 1820 and why?

The connection to the wizard Merlin was created in 1820 by Jean Côme Damien Poignan (also Poignant), a judge and scholar from Montfort-sur-Meu. He published an article identifying this Neolithic site as Merlin's tomb. This happened exactly at the time of the romantic rediscovery of the Arthurian legends in the 19th century. So Poignand's "experience" fell...

What legendary story connects to this place other than Merlin's burial?

In addition to the idea that Merlin is buried here, another legend tells that this is the place where the fairy held Viviane Merlin captive forever. According to the Arthurian legend, the mistress of the lake, Viviane, enchanted her lover Merlin in this place and imprisoned him for eternity – either in an air cage, a thorn hedge or an underground grave.

How to visit the tomb today and what is practical to know?

The tomb is located in the village of La Marette near the hamlet of Landelles in Paimpont. The place is free and freely accessible. It is barrier-free and suitable for people with reduced mobility. From the nearest parking lot, it is about a 10-15 minute walk through the forest.