Tradition: Luxembourg Mythology
Alternative Names: –
Category: Flame
The Myth
Das Geldfeuer bei Bous, meaning the Money Fire of Bous, is a mysterious supernatural flame said to appear at night upon the surface of a small pool called the Weiherchen, situated between the villages of Bous and Erpeldingen in Luxembourg. The pool is fed by a natural spring, and its waters were once the setting for a strange and frightening encounter involving a fire believed to reveal hidden wealth.
One night, people from Bous witnessed a money fire burning in the middle of the water. Hoping to claim the treasure associated with the mysterious flame, a young man ran toward it. However, he soon returned in terror, having witnessed something far more sinister than a simple fire.
In the water, he had seen three witches striking the surface with iron rods, whipping it in an attempt to raise evil mists. The sight frightened him away from the flame, leaving the supposed treasure untouched and revealing the dangerous supernatural forces lurking beneath the appearance of easy riches.
Sources
La Fontaine, Edmond de. Luxemburger Sagen und Legenden. Luxemburg: Jos. Beffort, 1882.