Lecomte’s Rock

In the bitter winter of long ago, hungry wolf packs besieged the small village of Dohan. The inhabitants barricaded themselves behind their doors, yet fear grew with each passing hour. One man, however, a humble woodcutter named Lecomte, perceived what others could not. While others despaired, he considered the valley’s geography. He realized that from the heights, from the rocks above the village, a message could be sent that would reach much farther than any human voice could carry.

With everything he could gather, Lecomte climbed to the summit of the great rock. There he built an enormous fire, using dry wood and branches. The flames grew and grew, blazing orange light that could be seen for miles around. Through the thick mist of the Semois Valley, it shone like a beacon of hope. The inhabitants of nearby villages saw the light and understood the distress call. Help was on its way.

When dawn broke, hunters and warriors from three different villages arrived to defend Dohan. The wolves, terrified by the fire and the sudden activity, fled the valley. Lecomte became a hero, yet remained humble. The rock he had used was named after him as a reminder of the power of insight and courage in the darkest hours. Even today, hikers point to this rock and tell the story of the woodcutter who raised the light.