Legends of the Camino de Santiago

The Camino de Santiago is not only defined, since its very origins, by the legend of the Apostle James and the Traslatio, but throughout its long history, many events have occurred that blur the fine line between the mystical and the real—perfectly embodied in its legends. This should not surprise us, as these stories, whether true or not, perfectly capture the magic of the Camino and the sense that anything can happen along its path. In fact, it is the journey itself that fosters these events, because, whether you are religious or not, walking the route will undoubtedly envelop you in its magic, in that touch of mysticism that defines this beautiful pilgrimage. Stay with us as we explore some of the most famous legends of the Camino de Santiago.

The Camino de Santiago has been the setting for many legends throughout its history

The Legend of Poyo de Roldán

One of the most famous legends of the Camino is the tale of Roldán’s battle. As in many legends, this one features a medieval knight who must contend with Evil. In this case, the knight Roldán faced the giant Ferragut, said to be a direct descendant of Goliath. Ferragut had fought against the finest troops of Charlemagne’s army, but he was no match for Roldán’s cunning and bravery in battle. Roldán spotted the giant sitting at the gate of his castle and engaged him in combat. Like David, Roldán needed just one stone to defeat the giant. From that moment, the hill became known as Poyo de Roldán.

A statue of Charlemagne in France

The Miracle of the Rooster and the Hen

Among all the legends of the Camino, this one is one of our favorites. It centers on a young German pilgrim named Hugonnel, traveling along the French Way, with the story unfolding during his stop in Santo Domingo de la Calzada. Hugonnel and his parents stay at an inn, where he encounters a young woman who attempts to seduce him. When Hugonnel rejects her advances, she seeks revenge by hiding a silver goblet in his bag and later accusing him of theft.

Justice soon arrives, and indeed, the authorities confirm that the goblet was found in young Hugonnel’s bag. Punishment in those days was far harsher than today, and Hugonnel is sentenced to death by hanging. However, when his parents approach to bid him farewell, after having prayed to the Apostle James, they discover that their son is alive thanks to the apostle’s divine intervention. Overwhelmed with joy, the parents rush to the magistrate to tell him what had happened. The magistrate, unimpressed, dismisses them, saying, “Your son is as alive as this rooster and hen I was about to eat before you disturbed me.” Suddenly, and to everyone’s astonishment, the rooster and hen leap from the plate and begin to crow.

As the saying goes: “In Santo Domingo de la Calzada, where the hen sang after being roasted.”

The Shepherds of Estella

At the foot of a hill in Estella, shepherds would gather with their sheep. One day, during one of their many meetings, they witnessed countless stars falling onto the hilltop. Overcome with curiosity at such an extraordinary event, the shepherds decided to climb to the summit. There, they discovered a cave containing an image of the Virgin. The shepherds immediately informed the local priest so he could see it for himself. However, when the priest arrived and they tried to move the image of the Virgin, they found it impossible—it wouldn’t budge, not even an inch.

Later, King Sancho Ramírez decided to establish a new city at that site, the city we now know as Estella, along with a temple, which is today called the Basilica of Our Lady of Puy. In fact, the name of the town, Estella, is etymologically linked to the Latin term stella, meaning “star”. Meanwhile, the term “Puy” refers to another Marian place of worship in France, Notre Dame du Puy in Le Puy-en-Velay. Additionally, “Puy” refers to a location situated at a summit, sometimes taking on variants like “poyo” or “pueyo“.

Apparitions of the Virgin to shepherds are very common, as seen in Fátima, Portugal

The Legend of Fuente Reniega

This legend will resonate with our religious readers, as it demonstrates that with faith, anything is possible. The story originates at Alto del Perdón, near the city of Pamplona. Many years ago, a pilgrim was desperately searching for water after going a long time without a drink. Suddenly, the Devil, disguised as a traveler, offered to lead him to a spring in exchange for renouncing his faith. The pilgrim firmly refused. However, as his desperation grew, a fortunate and miraculous event occurred—Apostle James appeared to him, dressed as a pilgrim, and guided him to the hidden spring. This allowed the pilgrim to continue his journey, his faith strengthened, and his thirst quenched by the life-saving water.

Spring on the Camino de Santiago

The Bird and the Virgin

This event takes place in the town of Puente de la Reina, where the routes from Somport and Roncesvalles converge. On the pilgrims’ bridge, there was an image of the Virgin. What makes this legend unique is that whenever an important event occurred, a bird would dip its wings into the river and then fly to the Virgin to wash her image. This was not a one-time occurrence but happened repeatedly over time. Additionally, the bird would use its beak to remove any remaining dirt.

Waymarker on the Camino with an image of the Virgin

¿Te han gustado estas leyendas? Pues son sólo una muestra, y ¡hay muchas más! La leyenda de la sombra del peregrino en Santiago de Compostela, la leyenda de la reina Lupa o la de la Santa Compaña son algunos ejemplos… Y es que en las rutas del Camino de Santiago encontrarás muchos más misterios y leyendas, y te invitamos a descubrirlos con nosotros, en un viaje legendario que no olvidarás jamás.

Did you enjoy these legends? Well, they’re just a small sample—there are so many more! The legend of the pilgrim’s shadow in Santiago de Compostela, the tale of Queen Lupa, or the story of the Santa Compaña are just a few examples. Along the routes of the Camino de Santiago, you’ll encounter many more mysteries and legends, and we invite you to discover them with us on a legendary journey you’ll never forget.