Unearthing American legends

As ethnologist Jean-Claude Dupont studied French-speaking North America, he collected hundreds of legends, recorded them using the written word and paintings done in a naive style.

The legends were brought by the first French settlers and combined with aboriginal mythology. They reassured people by explaining natural phenomena and providing entertainment to solidify communities.

In the world of the legend, good and evil are omnipresent and the Devil himself can show up uninvited. Stories become part of our culture’s collective memory.

The Discovering Legends exhibition at Pointe à Callière features 100 francophone and aboriginal legends, part of Quebec’s heritage, and includes reproductions and artefacts related to the legends.

The exposition ends May 16.

Pointe-à-Callière is open Tuesday to Friday, 10am to 5pm and Saturday and Sunday from 11am to 5pm. Adults $15, seniors, $10, students $8, youth $6, under 5 free.

For a guided tour, visit Tuesdays to Fridays at 11:45am and 2:15pm, weekends at 1:15 p.m., 1:45 p.m., 4:15 p.m.