These trees are found in the forest of Brocéliande (that’s the legendary name; the modern name is Paimpont), in Brittany, France. Not only are they interesting visually, the forest has a connection with King Arthur.

Wait. Arthur and the Round Table and all that, that’s in the British Isles, right?

Sure, but people got around in the Middle Ages much more than many people think. Even in the sixth century. After all, Lancelot (among others) came from France.

The connection here, though, is with Merlin, and particularly with Merlin and Vivane, who became the Lady in the Lake (she’s also known as Vivien, Elaine, Nimue, Nyneve Ninianne, or Evienne). For more than that, go here. It’s also where Merlin is supposedly buried, though other claimants include Drumelzier in the River Tweed valley in Scotland, and Carnarthen, an island off the coast of Wales.

But there’s more to this forest than Malory & Scott and friends. Brocéliande is home to striking castles and to this even more striking image.

The golden tree is actually an art work, but the dead trees around it are original. In 1990 a terrible fire broke out that raged for five days, destroying hundreds of trees. The tree was done by a local artist who wrapped a burned chestnut tree in actual gold leaf.

Old or new, Brocéliande offers a wealth of images that reward the casual visitor as well as the writer of fantasy stories.