Tradition / Region: French Mythology
Alternative names: Malbête, Malebàete, Malebeste, Beast of Angles, Troussepoil
Category: Bear
The Myth
The Malebête, meaning the “Evil Beast,” is a monstrous bear from the folklore of Angles in the Vendée region of France. It was described as a gigantic black bear with shaggy, matted fur that terrorized the countryside by preying almost exclusively upon young women. After feeding, it washed itself in a nearby river, whose waters became stained with blood and whose tangled reeds gave rise to the name Troussepoil, or “Hair-Raiser.”
The beast’s strength exceeded that of any knight, and it was believed to be an incarnation of the Devil. Several holy men attempted to confront it, including the abbots of Fontaines and Talmont and even a papal envoy. Despite prayers and fasting, each fled in terror when the Malebête charged.
The monster was finally faced by Father Martin, an elderly monk from the monastery at Angles who devoted his life to prayer and contemplation. Carrying only a walking stick and wearing his religious robes, he approached the fearsome beast. Instead of attacking, the Malebête lowered its head before him. Father Martin simply ordered it to follow, and the obedient creature walked behind him as the people of Angles watched in astonishment.
The procession ended at the church of Notre-Dame-des-Anges. Father Martin commanded the Malebête to climb to the top of the bell tower. As soon as it reached the summit, the beast turned to stone, ending its reign of terror.
According to the legend, several young women mocked Father Martin after his victory, accusing him of becoming the Devil’s shepherd. Smiling, the monk looked up at the petrified Malebête and declared that from that day onward it would feed only upon the beauty of the women of Angles. Instantly, every woman present lost her beauty, and ever since, tradition says that the women of Angles avoid passing beneath the stone bear’s gaze by entering the church through a rear entrance. The petrified Malebête remains atop the bell tower, where it continues to watch over the town.
Sources
A Book of Creatures. (2015, July 13). Malebête. Retrieved June 29, 2026, from https://abookofcreatures.com/2015/07/13/malebete/