I found this in the gardens of the Grotte de Notre Dame de Paimpont, which is modelled on the Grotte at Lourdes. My entry for 4 April - http://365project.org/vignouse/365/2014-04-04 - tells the story of how St. Judicaël came to found Paimpont Abbey in 645 AD and my picture for that day is the statue of St. Judicaël holding a replica of the Abbey in his outstretched palm. The Grotte receives a steady stream of visitors every day of the year who come to pray to Notre Dame de Paimpont.
Now Paimpont and its forest is also famous as the seat of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table, and for the legends of the Wizard Merlin and the Fairies Viviane and Morgane. Paimpont receives thousands of visitors every year in pursuit of the legends which many believe to be true.
The Grotte receives its fair share of these visitors, many of whom believe that the statue of St. Judicaël is in reality a statue of King Arthur holding in his hand a model of Camelot. So while the christian visitors are praying in front of the stautue of Our Lady and lighting candles, the followers of Merlin are elsewhere in the gardens paying homage in their own way. This is one such offering; an amulet constructed from plants and flowers growing in the garden - and therefore reputedly having 'magical' powers - and it is designed to harness those powers to protect its maker from harm. (You couldn't make this up!)
Excellent history. I like the pretty colors of the amulet against the green and the birds eye view. Fav for the history and lovely comp. I'd love to see this place someday and really enjoy seeing it in your project.
@kt8ird It was only when you mentioned the 'bird's eye view' Kate, that I looked again and realised that part of my right shoe was visible in the bottom right corner of the image... even though I was standing with my legs painfully wide apart! It's been dealt with!
How did you find about about the followers of merlin? Looks so warm and tropical that I'm imagining a sheltered location that would be almost magical by its existence.
You have a lovely talent ~ in addion to the wonderful photographs you supplement with some learning. In addition to the lesson of this, I had to look up perspicacious which I should have known. All in all well done. Thank you.
