Ankou

The Ankou is a grim reaper figure in Breton, Cornish, Welsh, and Norman French folklore. He is often depicted as a tall, thin man dressed in black, with a scythe and a hood that covers his face. He rides a black horse and collects the souls of the dead. One story tells of a farmer who was walking home from the market when he saw the Ankou. The farmer was terrified, but he knew that he had to do something to save his soul. So he ran up to the Ankou and grabbed his scythe. The Ankou was surprised, but he didn't fight back. He just smiled and said, "You're a brave man. You may keep your soul." The farmer was so relieved that he ran all the way home. He told his wife what had happened, and they were both very grateful to the Ankou. From then on, the farmer always made sure to leave a bowl of milk out for the Ankou on the night before All Saints' Day. The Ankou is a reminder that death is always near. But he is also a symbol of hope. He shows us that even in the face of death, there is still beauty and kindness in the world.