Fantôme de Maules

What is Fantôme de Maules?
Who is Fantôme de Maules?

Maules is a small town in the French-speaking part of Switzerland. It is surrounded by agricultural land and dense forests.

In the Maules forest, near Gruyère, in the canton of Fribourg, an unusual figure occasionally appears. It is dressed in a gas mask, chemical suit, and military trench coat. This person is usually seen during the day. They wander the forest and terrify passersby. Their identity is shrouded in mystery. It is only known that this nearly two-meter-tall figure has taken a liking to the local fauna and flora. While strolling, they pretend not to notice anyone.. They focus all their attention on flowers, which they gather and sniff. But even the slightest noise, a crackling branch, or rustling leaves causes Fantôme de Maules to vanish without a trace. The ghost from Maules, or so they say, is what they call themselves. Locals refer to it as Le Loyon.

Who is it? A recluse? An unfortunate person cast out by society who has settled in the forest? Or perhaps Fantôme is a survivalist preparing for the apocalypse?

We will never know because they will never tell us. That is what makes them so special. In a modern world where everything must be reported, where everything must be constantly explained, Fantôme is an exception. How wonderful it is to meet a person who has no intention of revealing anything about themselves.