Collection of French Canadian tales and legends. Here are compelling, exuberant, and haunting legends of French Canada that embody some of the oldest traditions of North America. Affectionately retold by the master of Canadian folklore, they reflect with uncommon clarity the spirit of French Canada--boisterous and sad, earthy and spiritual, and fiercely pious, yet always conscious of the lurking presence of the Evil One in his many strange forms--the Black Horse, the Handsome Dancer, or the Great Serpent. In addition to the legends proper, Dr. Barbeau includes for our delight a group of 'characters' of the Kingdom of the Saguenay: such extraordinary people as Alexis the Horse, the Yellow-haired Potter, and Louis l'Aveugle, the Blind Singer of the Saguenay. Their adventures and peculiarities give an added richness to the book's portrayal of French Canada through its folklore.--From publisher description.