Bugul Noz
Field Report
Bugul Noz, meaning “Night Shepherd” in Breton folklore, is a solitary forest spirit believed to wander dark woodlands of Brittany. Described as grotesque and hideous, so much so that even animals flee at his sight, he paradoxically yearns for companionship but drives all away by sheer appearance. Legends portray him as deeply lonely, emerging at twilight to sadly roam among trees, hoping in vain for friendship. Despite his frightful look, Bugul Noz isn’t malicious; he simply embodies isolation and the sorrow of eternal rejection. Some tales frame encounters with him as omens, cautioning travelers to stay indoors after dusk. His story continues to resonate as a melancholic symbol of being misunderstood, woven into the broader tapestry of European forest myths that warn of venturing out at night.
Classification
Type:Spirit Entity
Location:France, Brittany, Brocéliande Forest
Traits:Thin, long-faced, shaggy, glowing eyes, weeping
Threat Assessment
Danger Level: 3.4
First Reported: 1800s
Sightings: 3
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Behavioral Patterns
It wanders misty woods at dusk, keeping its distance from travelers. When approached, it retreats slowly, as though weighed down by its own sorrow.
Folklore & Origins
Breton stories say this sorrowful forest spirit repels all creatures with its horrific visage.
Media Documentation
Briefly cited in Breton folklore compendiums and occasional French cultural articles focused on regional myths. Appears in lists of Europe’s strangest forest spirits but lacks depth of coverage. Never addressed by mainstream international outlets.
Hoax Analysis
Bugul Noz is a Breton mythical spirit with no known hoax history. It remains a figure of folklore and cultural myth without ties to deception.