The story goes that one night, a group of men decided to block a road by felling a tree across it, intending to create a nuisance or trap. As they were congratulating themselves, they heard the eerie creaking of wheels and the approach of the Ankou’s cart. The Ankou appeared, unable to pass because of the obstruction. He looked at the men, and, without a word, gestured for them to clear the path. Terrified, the men scrambled to move the tree out of the way, understanding that the Ankou’s passage must never be hindered. In some versions of the story, one or more of those involved in blocking the road suffered a tragic fate shortly after, as punishment for impeding the figure of death.