Stories from the Aragonese Pyrenees: a land of legends and magic
The Benasque Valley, nestled in the heart of the Aragonese Pyrenees, is a place where nature and history intertwine, giving life to countless myths and legends.
Surrounded by towering mountains and dreamlike landscapes, this valley has witnessed tales that have endured through the centuries, feeding the imagination of its inhabitants and the travelers who visit this fascinating land. Here are some of the most captivating stories surrounding this magical corner.
The legend of Pyrene and the formation of the Pyrenees
One of the most iconic stories linked to this region is the legend that explains the origin of the Pyrenean mountain range, rooted in classical mythology. According to the Greeks, Pyrene was a beautiful princess, daughter of King Tubal, who ruled the Iberian Peninsula. He was challenged by Geryon, a three-headed monster who defeated the king and tried to take the princess. Pyrene fled and hid in the mountains.
Geryon pursued her and, to force her out of hiding, set a great fire. Upon hearing this, the mighty Hercules came to her aid, fought Geryon, and killed him. But when he found Pyrene, it was too late: she lay dying and passed away in his arms. Moved by grief, the hero buried her and piled huge stones over her tomb, creating a magnificent mausoleum in her memory — the Pyrenees.
The witches of Laspaúles: a dark historical episode
In the late 16th century, the small village of Laspaúles, at the eastern entrance to the Benasque Valley, became the setting of one of the darkest episodes of witch hunts in Spain. In 1593, twenty-four women were accused of witchcraft, tortured, and executed over just two months. Historians say these women were mostly healers or herbalists, often blamed for any unexpected misfortune like a poor harvest or a sudden death.
The victims were accused of poisoning neighbors, kidnapping children for rituals, making forbidden ointments, and exhuming corpses to obtain ingredients for their potions. Scholars estimate that between 1461 and 1645, around 120 women were executed for witchcraft in the province of Huesca alone. Today, the Witch Theme Park in Laspaúles pays tribute to these women with an educational ride that recounts their tragic history and honors their memory.
El Turbón: the magic mountain
El Turbón is widely considered the magic mountain of Huesca. Tradition holds that it was once home to giants and supernatural beings. However, its most famous legends revolve around witchcraft: one of its slopes is known as the “Witches' Wall,” as it was said to be the gathering place where witches from across Alto Aragón met weekly to dance and invoke the demon dwelling in the massif’s caves.
According to legend, these gatherings often triggered storms and hail that punished nearby villages, where many popular sayings emerged from these tales, such as: “In El Turbón, witches hang their clothes in the sun,” or “If there's fog on El Turbón, there'll be storms across all Aragón.”
The Benasque Hot Springs and the Devils’ Cave
Located at 1,720 meters above sea level, the Benasque Hot Springs have long been known for their therapeutic waters, but they are also surrounded by supernatural lore. Near their original site lies a cave shrouded in a chilling legend. It is said that inside, the Devil punished his servants by turning them into burning stones for not being evil enough.
According to tradition, the heat emitted by these enchanted stones is what warms the local thermal waters. The legend warns that bathing in these waters for more than nine consecutive days could expose one to the curse of the trapped devils — though no such cases have ever been reported.
Pyrenean mythology: an ancestral legacy
The mythology of the Pyrenees, of pre-Roman origin, has been passed down from generation to generation, creating a rich cultural heritage expressed in local festivals, rituals, and place names. For those who wish to immerse themselves in the magic and legends of the Benasque Valley, one of the most unique ways is on horseback.
Horseback rides allow travelers to explore landscapes steeped in history and mystery, offering a truly unique experience. At Anima Equi, there are options for all levels — from beginner rides to mountain rides for experienced riders. Horseback rides with children are also a great way to enjoy nature and the stories that surround this exceptional region as a family.
The Benasque Valley is much more than a place of natural beauty; it is a land where tales of magic, witches, and mythical beings come to life, offering an unforgettable experience to those seeking to connect with the ancestral soul of the Pyrenees.
