Tradition: Belgian Mythology
Alternative Names: –
Category: House dweller
The Myth
Fleurus is a benevolent household spirit in Flemish folklore that can take the form of a person or a domestic animal. He performs heavy household work and helps families with difficult tasks. When a maid cannot manage the cleaning, Fleurus may come to her aid; if a horse is sick, he can appear as a strong, vigorous horse, allowing himself to be harnessed and working in its place. He expects little in return, usually accepting a small amount of fresh milk and sugar as a reward.
Fleurus is generally helpful, but he can also be mischievous. One story tells of a farmer whose business was prosperous and whose household was well cared for by the spirit. When a horse fell ill, Fleurus appeared in the form of a strong horse and willingly performed the work. He never shied away from labour and also helped when a maid was unable to cope with her cleaning duties. In return, he was usually given fresh milk with a little sugar.
One day, however, a pair of young newlyweds decided to play a trick on Fleurus. When he appeared to help with the work, they offered him milk mixed with garlic instead of sugar. Fleurus merely sipped the drink and disappeared, saying:
“Milk and garlic!
Fleurus runs away,
And with him goes the luck.”
After that, nobody heard or saw Fleurus at the farm again. The place became known as Fleurushoff, preserving the memory of the household spirit whose help and good fortune had been lost through the couple’s trick.
Sources
“Flerus.” Encyclopedia Mythica. https://pantheon.org/articles/f/flerus.html