Folklore / Casseur De Bois

Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Mary Evans Picture Library

Folklore / Casseur De Bois

LE CASSEU DE BOIS (= branch-breaker) of Berry, central France, entity who breaks tree branches and may challenge the peasant as he gathers his firewood

Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries

Media ID 577419

© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10017555

1858 Berry Bois Branches Breaker Breaks Challenge Entity Fire Wood Folk Lore Gathers Peasant

EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative 19th century photograph captures the intriguing figure of a Casseur de Bois, or 'branch-breaker,' from the Berry region of central France. The Casseur de Bois was a local folklore entity believed to challenge peasant farmers as they gathered firewood in the forests. According to historical accounts, this mysterious figure would break branches or even steal entire logs, adding an element of mischief and unpredictability to the daily routine of rural life. The image, taken in 1858, depicts a man dressed in traditional peasant clothing, carrying a large bundle of firewood on his back. His gaze is fixed on the tree he is approaching, as if anticipating the encounter with the Casseur de Bois. The tree itself seems to loom ominously over him, its branches heavy with the weight of the impending challenge. The Casseur de Bois was a part of the rich folklore of rural France, and stories about the entity varied from region to region. Some believed that the Casseur de Bois was a mischievous spirit, while others saw him as a protector of the forest. Regardless of the beliefs, the legend added an air of excitement and adventure to the mundane task of gathering firewood. This photograph, from the Mary Evans Picture Library, offers a unique glimpse into the past, transporting us back to a time when folklore and tradition played a significant role in the daily lives of rural communities. It serves as a reminder of the power of storytelling and the enduring allure of the unknown.

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