During his field studies throughout French-speaking North America, Jean-Claude Dupont collected hundreds of legends, recording them not only in compilations and other specialized publications, but also in his naïve paintings. This exhibition presents 100 legends, part of Quebec's heritage, illustrated with paintings, reproductions and many related artifacts. Visitors can share Mr. Dupont's fascination with Francophone and Native legends and customs.

Long before television and texting, there were legends

There are various sources of inspiration for the legends of French-speaking North America. The French colonists who settled in New France brought their ancestors' tales with them, in addition to discovering the rich Native mythologies already present here. Legends persisted over the years because they answered a need, and long reflected people's daily lives. While they had a basis in reality, they were embellished with fantastic details, and passed along for various reasons. They reassured people by explaining extraordinary natural phenomena, encouraged everyone to stick to the straight and narrow as dictated by the Church, strengthened the community, and added some magic and humour to people's often arduous daily lives.

Nature often featured prominently in legends, along with religion and the omnipresence of good and evil. This duality was represented by many different characters, some good and some less desirable - including the indisputable star of the show, the Devil. These mythical figures turn up in the legends illustrated and recounted in the exhibition, with different artifacts providing context. The exhibition also examines legends inspired by actual historic events or other phenomena appealing to people's imaginations. Lastly, it explores the legend of the flying canoe, or chasse-galerie, looking at the many versions and adaptations of this literary classic.