Merlin’s Tomb

The enchanted forest of Brocéliande is recurrently featured in numerous medieval texts of Arthurian legends, although its location is uncertain. Today, Paimpont Forest in Brittany, France, is considered the most probable contender for it, commonly referred to in French as Forêt de Brocéliande (Brocéliande Forest).

The tradition of this association goes all the way back to the 13th century, around which time the locals called the forest Brocélien or Brec'Helean. Since the 19th century, it has been a tourist site among followers of Neo-Druidism and fans of Arthurian legend.

In the myths, the forest of Brocéliande was a mysterious place full of fairies and magic. Deep within these woods is the Vale of No Return, domain of the notorious sorceress Morgan le Fay where she entrapped a myriad knights until they were rescued by Sir Lancelot. Here it is also said that Viviane, the Lady of the Lake, tricked Merlin into a magical, deathlike sleep that lasts to this day. There are many different versions of the legend of Merlin's end, but one of the most prominent ones is that Viviane trapped Merlin in a grave to hold him for all eternity.

Research conducted in the late 1800s identified the northeastern part of the Brocéliande Forest as the site of Merlin's demise. When researchers came upon a neolithic gallery grave in this area of the forest, they claimed it as the place where Merlin is trapped. The site consists of three large stone slabs placed together, with a circle of stones surrounding it, and has been there for thousands of years. Whether or not the mythical wizard is really trapped underneath the stones, the history and folklore of the place give Merlin's Tomb a magical feel. Today, visitors often leave notes to Merlin in between the stones, hoping that he will grant the wishes written upon them.