Ankou is the name of the spirit who collects the souls of the dead. An Ankou comes about when the last person in a calendar year dies in a parish. Their job, for the next year, is to guide the dead souls away from their bodies.
There is no stopping Ankou. Death comes to us all.
There is no stopping Ankou. Death comes to us all.
Death Comes to us All
Ankou carving that guards a cemetery Origin: Celtic folklore, Breton folklore
Description: The Henchman of Death.
Ankou is the name of the spirit who collects the souls of the dead. An Ankou comes about when the last person in a calendar year dies in a parish. Their job, for the next year, is to guide the dead souls away from their bodies. There is more than one Ankou, as there is one for every parish of Brittany.
Ankou is described as a tall, haggard or skeletal figure with flowing white hair. The Ankou’s head is able to turn at a 360 degree angle, to symbolise its ability to see everything, everywhere. It is also at times seen as a dark shadow, one that wears what looks like an old hat.
The Ankou is said to drive a ghostly cart, and to stop at the houses of those who are about to die. It will knock on the door or wail – and sometimes these are also heard by the living. It will then lead the dead to the cart, and drive away.
There is no stopping Ankou. Death comes to us all.
Description: The Henchman of Death.
Ankou is the name of the spirit who collects the souls of the dead. An Ankou comes about when the last person in a calendar year dies in a parish. Their job, for the next year, is to guide the dead souls away from their bodies. There is more than one Ankou, as there is one for every parish of Brittany.
Ankou is described as a tall, haggard or skeletal figure with flowing white hair. The Ankou’s head is able to turn at a 360 degree angle, to symbolise its ability to see everything, everywhere. It is also at times seen as a dark shadow, one that wears what looks like an old hat.
The Ankou is said to drive a ghostly cart, and to stop at the houses of those who are about to die. It will knock on the door or wail – and sometimes these are also heard by the living. It will then lead the dead to the cart, and drive away.
There is no stopping Ankou. Death comes to us all.
Nic Hume 2013
Put together by Ashley Hall 2013
Put together by Ashley Hall 2013
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