Related Myths
One of the origins postulated for the modern Harlequin is Hellequin, a stock character in French passion plays. Hellequin, a black-faced emissary of the devil, is said to have roamed the countryside with a group of demons chasing the damned souls of evil people to Hell. The physical appearance of Hellequin offers an explanation for the traditional colours of Harlequin's mask (red and black).
It can be compared to other ghostly troops, such as the Santa Compaña in Galicia, a procession of the dead that recruits those who meet it; and the chasse-galerie, or bewitched canoe, of Québec.
In Flanders, Belgium, the wild hunt is rarely seen, but there are accounts of feasts in the fields, most often held by alvermannen (singlular form: alverman) of elves. One would be invited to sit at the table if the banquet was approached decently; then you could eat and drink and sit there for eternity, unless you ask for salt, then the party disappears instantly. If the party was dissrupted, there would be a punishment; usually the light in your eyes would be blown out.
Read more about this topic: Wild Hunt
Famous quotes containing the words related and/or myths:
“One does not realize the historical sensation as a re-experiencing, but as an understanding that is closely related to the understanding of music, or rather of the world by means of music.”
—Johan Huizinga (18721945)
“The myths about what were supposed to feel as new mothers run strong and deep. . . . While joy and elation are surely present after a new baby has entered our lives, it is also within the realm of possibility that other feelings might crop up: neediness, fear, ambivalence, anger.”
—Sally Placksin (20th century)