Name Ankou
Gender Masculine
Usage Celtic Mythology, Breton Legend
Other Forms FormsAnkoù, Aräwn
Theme black
Edit Status Status
Meaning & History
This is the name of a legendary skeleton-ghost in parts of France, namely Brittany and Normandy as well as Cornwall. He travels by night, riding a creaking cart (or small coach) drawn by four black horses in which he comes to collect the souls of the recently departed. Two other skeletons walk alongside Ankou's cart, tossing the souls into the wagon. His skull spins like a top on his bony shoulders so he can see in all directions.