| The
Mythic Birthplace of Orval |
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The name "Orval" is attributed to a 13th century Countess Matilda
of Tuscany. As story has it, the countess lost her gold ring in
the reflecting pool of the little well that remains to this day
near the ruined abbey (at left). Beseeching God for a miracle, she
promised that if He returned the ring she would build Him a monastery
in gratitude. As a trout emerged from the waters with the ring in
its mouth, she is said to have exclaimed, "Well, this truly is a
Valley of Gold!" Thus was born the name Val d'Or, which eventually
became Orval. Images of the trout and ring commonly adorn Orval's
breweriana (see coaster, below). |
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