On the rocky coast of Brittany, where tides rush faster than galloping horses, stood the abbey of Mont Saint-Michel — a crown of stone rising from the mist. Its monks lit a lantern each night to guide lost sailors home.
One winter, a violent storm swept the coast. Waves crashed higher than the abbey walls, and the sea swallowed every sound but thunder.
In that storm sailed Yann le Marin, a fisherman from Cancale. He had promised his young wife he’d return before nightfall, but greed had kept him longer.
Now his small boat fought the black waves.
“Saint Michael, light my way!” he shouted into the wind.
But the lantern had been snuffed by rain. The abbey itself was dark.
Inside, Brother Alain, keeper of the light, had fallen ill. No one dared climb the slippery tower to relight the flame. The abbot said, “Let us pray — the sea takes whom it will.”
But a young novice named Jeanne, barely sixteen, stepped forward. “If no man dares, then I will.”
She wrapped herself in a cloak, seized a torch, and began the climb. Lightning lit the sky, showing her the endless water below. Each step shook beneath her feet, yet she did not stop.
At the summit, the wind tore at her cloak, the torch sputtered — then caught again. She reached the lantern, protected it with her hands, and lit the flame anew.
Far below, Yann saw it — a single golden star through the storm. He turned his rudder and followed the light. By dawn, he reached the shore, alive.
Word spread of the brave novice who had defied the sea. But Jeanne only said, “Faith burns brightest when no one else will carry the torch.”
Years later, sailors swore they still saw her ghostly light atop the abbey during storms. The people called it The Lantern of Mont Saint-Michel, glowing not just for ships, but for every soul lost in darkness.
Moral of the Story
True courage shines when others’ faith falters. Even the smallest light can save many lives.
Knowledge Check
- Where does this story take place?
At Mont Saint-Michel in Brittany, France. - Who was Yann le Marin?
A fisherman caught in a deadly storm. - What happened to the abbey’s lantern?
It went out during the tempest. - Who relit the lantern?
Jeanne, a young novice nun. - What effect did her bravery have?
It guided Yann and other sailors safely home. - What is the lesson?
Faith and courage illuminate the darkest nights.
Origin: Breton folktale (Brittany, France)
