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Origin and history

The Lech de Langonbrach is a megalithic monument located in the hamlet of Langonbrach, west of Landaul (Morbihan), near the branches of the river of Etel. It is a 2.40 m high pyramidal granite block with tapered faces (70 cm at the base, 20 cm at the top). One of its faces carries a cross anchored topped by a partial Latin inscription, perhaps evoking Kilezoc, daughter of Conbert, according to Louis Marsille's interpretation in 1936. A small celtic stele is close by, by the road.

Dated from the Neolithic, this lec的h would have been Christianized between the 9th and 10th centuries, with inscriptions potentially added to distinct periods. He thus joins other local examples of menhirs or lect-hs reinvested by Christianity, such as those of Men-er-Menah or Pen-et-Pont. Mentioned in 1857 by Charles de Keranflec Prior to 2011, he stood in the middle of the road before being placed near the chapel Saint-Maurille.

Ranked a historical monument by decree of 17 June 1942, the Lech de Langonbrach illustrates the medieval appropriation of prehistoric monuments. His Latin inscription, in uncial characters, was interpreted by Wendy Davies as an epitaph for Britou, son of Conbritus and Drilego, suggesting a sepulchral function in the 8th-IXth century. The stele, made of monolithic pink granite, also marks a historic crossroads between Landevant, Locoal-Mendon and Larmor.

The vicinity of the river d'Étel concentrates several Christianized lechs, testifying to a common practice in Brittany. The monument, owned by the municipality of Landaul, has been the subject of travel related to the evolution of the old network. Its pyramidal shape and engravings make it a remarkable example of the transition between pagan worship and Christianization, typical of the Morbihanian megalithic heritage.

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