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The bridges that fall into the Devil’s Bridge category are so numerous that the legends about them form a category in the Aarne-Thompson Classification System for folktales (Number 1191). Some of the legends have elements of related folktale categories, for example the bridge at Valentre, France (Deceiving the Devil, AT #1196) and the bridge at Borgo a Mozzano, Italy (The Master Builder legend). One version of the tale presents the bridge builder and the Devil as adversaries. This reflects the fact that in many cases these bridges were built under such challenging conditions ( Die Teufelsbrück at St. Gotthard Pass ) that successful completion of the bridge required a heroic effort on the part of the builders and the community, insuring its legendary status. Other versions of the legend feature an old lady or a simple herder who makes a Pact With The Devil . In this version the devil agrees to build the bridge, and in return he will receive the first soul to cross it. After building the bridge (often overnight) the devil is outwitted by his adversary and is last seen descending into the water, bringing peace to the community ( Beaugency , Borgo a Mozzano). Each of the bridges that have received the Devil's Bridge appellation is remarkable in some reguard; most often for the technological hurdles surpassed in building the bridge, but on occasion also for it's aesthetic grace, or for it's economic or strategic importance to the community it serves. PARTIAL LIST OF DEVIL'S BRIDGES
DEVIL'S BRIDGES IN BRITAIN Several bridges in Britain are named after the Devil, and many of them share similar legends. Devil's Bridge (Mynach) Devil's Bridge ( Welsh ''Pontarfynach'') is the name of a bridge which spans the Mynach , a tributary of the Rheidol . It consists of three Bridges built above each other. The most recently built was an iron bridge in 1901 which was built over a stone bridge constructed in 1753 when the original bridge was thought to be unstable, using the original bridge built ( 1075 - 1200 ) to support the Scaffolding . The bridge is at a point where the Mynach falls around 90 metres (300ft) and meets the Rheidol. In 1902 the Vale Of Rheidol Railway was opened between Aberystwyth and Devil's Bridge. Legend says that the bridge was built by the Devil as it was too difficult for people to build. The Devil built the bridge in return for the Soul of the first life to cross the bridge, but the Devil was tricked by the people who threw bread onto the bridge and a Dog followed thus becoming the first life to cross the new bridge. This version would appear to support the view that animals have souls. The bridge is a tourist attraction; turnstiles control access (in 2005, at £1 a person) to a view of the bridges, as shown in the picture. Over the other side of the road, £2.50 grants a longer walk to view the Mynach falls. Devil's Bridge (Lune) Devil's Bridge (SD615783) on the River Lune between Kirkby Lonsdale and Casterton was most likely built in around 1370 and is constructed of well masoned fine gritstone, with three spans, the western two being a 1.7 m (54 ft 8 in) each and the eastern 8.8 m (29 ft). The piers are hexagonal, measuring 1.8 m (60 ft) round. A great flood will easily reach the base of the arches and run over the tops of the cutwaters. It too shares the doggy legend, and in addition, several great stones in the surrounding area (including the Great Stone Of Fourstones ) are ascribed to the Devil 's purse-strings bursting open as he ferried masonry to build it. EXTERNAL LINKS |