The legend of Dame Carcas is a folk story that has its roots in Carcassonne, a town in the south of France famous for its well-preserved medieval city.

The legend tells of a mysterious lady called Carcas, who is said to have played a crucial role in the town's defence.

According to legend, in the 8th century, Carcassonne was under siege from the Saracens, and the town's situation was becoming increasingly desperate. The population was on the point of surrendering when Dame Carcas, a young widow, led the resistance. She allegedly gathered together the remaining inhabitants and the town's meagre provisions to create the illusion of a large military force.

To fool the besiegers, Dame Carcas threw one last fat pig over the ramparts. The Saracens, seeing the city's apparent wealth, thought that Carcassonne was still well supplied and decided to lift the siege.

It was at this point that legend has it that Dame Carcas rang the town bell, announcing her victory. According to the legend, a soldier then shouted "Carcas sonne!" (in French, "Carcas sonne" can also be understood as "Carcassonne"). The town thus took the name Carcassonne in honour of Dame Carcas.

Although the historical veracity of this legend is doubtful, it remains an integral part of Carcassonne's cultural identity. The town, with its magnificent medieval city, is now one of France's most popular tourist attractions.