Also called Korriganed, Kornandon, Poulpiquet.
The tale
Korrigans are small fairy beings of Brittany who dance around dolmens and standing stones at night and haunt springs. They may be beautiful by moonlight and wizened by day. In a well-known tale a kind hunchback joins their song of the days of the week and adds a new line, and they take away his hump; his greedy neighbour spoils the song and is given a second one.
When they are met
- at night near dolmens and springs
- Midsummer
Staying on their good side
- join their song politely if invited and add a verse
- never mock their dancing
- leave the stones untouched
Honouring them, or keeping safe
- Visit the standing stones of Brittany respectfully, leaving no trace.
- Dance in a circle at Midsummer with friends.
What their tales teach
- the tales teach good manners and wit
- joy in dance
- respect for old places
Symbols
- the dolmen
- the ring dance
- the spring
- the golden comb
Some Breton material, such as Villemarqué's Barzaz Breiz, was heavily reworked by its collector.
Sources
- Sébillot, Le Folk-lore de France
- Villemarqué, Barzaz Breiz
More Celtic folklore
- The Banshee The keening woman of the fairy mound
- Selkies The seal folk who come ashore
- The Púca The shape-shifter of November
- The Aos Sí The people of the fairy mounds
- The Kelpie The water horse of the lochs
- The Tylwyth Teg The Fair Family of Wales
- Leprechaun The solitary fairy shoemaker
- Clurichaun The fairy of the wine cellar