The Devil of Routhierville

Yesterday, I took some time to work on another story about the Gaspe Coast.
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It is an old legend that I remember hearing a long time ago. It fascinated and somewhat scared me back then, and even now, I can understand why.

The story of the tall, dark and handsome stranger has been told in different places across Canada, and I found mentions of it in American and Mexican folklore.

It differs a bit, according to where it is told, but the story is basically still the same. In this version of the Gaspesian story, family and friends get together for a dance in the small village of Routhierville, a long time ago. All is going well… the music is playing, people are singing and dancing, until they hear a knock at the door.

When the door is opened, a well-dressed stranger asks to come in. He tells them that he got lost in the snowstorm and wants to warm up for a while beside the fire.

What happens next is a haunting story that was told and retold to warn the people about the devil’s work.

Like all folklore and old legends, there is some truth to be found in a story like this. Which is why learning about some of the Gaspe Coast’s old stories is for sure a very good thing!

This story will be available in my next book about the legends and folklore of the Gaspe Coast, scheduled to be published in April. 

#gaspecoaststories #legends #folklore #gaspecoast #gaspesie #perce