The legend of the mule’s step rock

Near the place known today as Le Pendu, on the edge of the Tronçais Forest towards Cérilly (Allier), a beautiful woman named Esther was courted by two young men: Maurice and Jean. But a dark intrigue was hatched when Jean had Esther's father murdered to place the responsibility for the crime on Maurice, who was unjustly condemned to hanging!

Legendary stone in the Tronçais region (Allier)

Convinced of her fiancé's innocence, Esther wandered around Viljot, on the verge of despair, and implored Satan for help. To his great surprise, the Prince of Darkness answered him. A deal was made between them: Esther would provide proof of the crime, and in exchange, Satan would come to her aid.

Thanks to the evidence provided by Esther, John was arrested just in time, and he confessed to his crimes before being hanged himself. But Esther, having made a pact with the devil, had to give him an account. As punishment, she was turned into a mule, while Maurice desperately searched for his missing fiancée.

Three months later, a tall man came to a farrier's house to have his mule shoed. While working, the worker was stunned to hear the animal speak, revealing Esther's tragic story. The marshal, aware of the strange nature of the beast, demanded an exorbitant price for his service. In anger, Satan, who was riding the mule, gave a violent blow with his spur, under the effect of pain, the poor beast struck so hard with its hoof a large stone placed behind it, that the iron was etched there and left its mark... It is called in the country "The mule's step"

This footprint is still visible at the corner of the Montaloyer road and the path leading to the Braize church.

Maurice, following the mule's tracks, led them to a tavern bearing the sign of "Chats Mignons", today known as Les Chamignoux. Accusing Satan of lying, Maurice managed, with the help of the farrier, to restrain the devil while he tried to ride the mule again. Under the blows, Satan lost his powers and his rights, thus freeing the mule and returning Esther to Maurice. Then, Satan fled into the depths of the forest.

Since then, attempts have often been made to fill the mysterious hole at Pas de la Mule, but each time it was found to be emptied and cleaned the next day.

Thanks to Caroline and Crépuscule