In the past, there was a proliferation of wolves in Gaume. In the 17th century, inhabitants were deeply encouraged to dig pits in the places were wolves would come, in order to catch them. These traps, called “Louvières” or “Louvîres” (in Gaume’s dialect) were deep and well hidden: they quickly became dangerous for men too and the idea was abandoned.
D’jean D’Mady and the wolves:
While he was getting back home from the village’s ball, holding his umbrella in one hand, his “rouyot”* and his violin in the other hand, D’jean d’Mady was hesitantly walking. Suddenly he found himself face to face with a threatening wolf. Scared, he climbed in a tree. Trying to calm down the wolf, he threw his brioche at the wolf, piece by piece, unfortunately without any result… Djean then took his violin and played a frenzied song. The wolf danced and danced, until he collapsed, exhausted. Our hero quickly ran straight away.
* Circular brioche that we used to offer at weddings, baptisms, and funerals.
