Ys

Evariste-Vital Luminais - Fuite de Gradlon

Gwerz Ar Roue Gralon ha Ker Is

383 Kerlaz

Vie des saincts - 1637 - Couverture1

Auguste François-Marie Gorguet - poster for the première performance of Édouard Lalo's Le roi d'Ys (1888)

Ys (pronounced "ees") is a legendary city said to have been on the coast of Brittany in France, often noted for its wealth and the supposed hubris of its inhabitants. According to various folk tales and legends, Ys was built below sea level, with its safety reliant upon a dike that protected it from the sea. The city is most famous for its dramatic demise, where it was said to have been swallowed by the ocean as a divine punishment for the sins of its people.

Legend

The legend of Ys is thought to originate from Breton folklore, with variations of the story appearing in several cultures around the Celtic world. The most common version of the tale tells of King Gradlon (or Gralon) who was the ruler of Ys. He was convinced by his daughter, Dahut (or Ahes), to build the magnificent city of Ys. Dahut was described as a figure of beauty and sin, often associated with the sea and sometimes depicted as a mermaid. The city was protected from the sea by a dike that had a gate. The key to this gate was held by the king himself.

According to the legend, Dahut stole the key from her father while he slept and opened the gates to allow her lover, a man of dubious nature or a demon in some versions, into the city. The sea rushed in through the open gates, flooding Ys and condemning it to be lost beneath the waves. King Gradlon was saved by Saint Winwaloe, who advised him to flee the drowning city. Dahut, however, was not so fortunate and was said to have been swallowed by the sea, with some versions of the story suggesting she was transformed into a mermaid or a sea spirit.

Themes and Interpretations

The story of Ys touches on themes of hubris, sin, and divine retribution, common in many myths and legends around the world. The narrative of a city punished for the sins of its inhabitants echoes other stories of lost lands and cities, such as Atlantis and Sodom and Gomorrah. The legend also reflects the historical and cultural significance of the sea to the people of Brittany, embodying their respect and fear of its power.

Cultural Impact

The legend of Ys has inspired a wide range of cultural works, including literature, music, and video games. It has been the subject of poems, novels, and operas, reflecting its enduring appeal and the fascination it holds. The story of Ys has also been interpreted in various ways, with some seeing it as a cautionary tale about the dangers of pride and excess, while others view it as a celebration of Breton identity and resilience.

In Popular Culture

The city of Ys has been featured in various forms of media and entertainment. Notably, it is the setting for a series of Japanese role-playing games (RPGs) under the Ys title, which have gained a following for their engaging storylines and gameplay. The legend has also been adapted into comic books, animated series, and music, showcasing its versatility and the wide range of interpretations it has inspired.