Tradition: Dutch Mythology
Alternative Names: De Pok
Category: House dweller
The Myth
Pok is an evil spirit in Frisian folklore associated with the spontaneous heating of hay. When a blackened patch is discovered inside a bale of hay, people say that Pok has been there, attempting to start a fire.
The spirit’s association with hay reflects the danger of hay heating and potentially catching fire during storage. In the folk belief recorded by Van der Molen, a dark spot in the hay serves as evidence that Pok has tried to kindle a blaze. No further details about the spirit’s appearance or other activities are provided in the available account.
Sources
Van der Veen, Abe. “Van aardmannetje tot zwarte juffer: Een lijst van Nederlandse en Vlaamse elfen en geesten.” Abe de Verteller. https://abedeverteller.nl/van-aardmannetje-tot-zwarte-juffer-een-lijst-van-nederlandse-en-vlaamse-elfen-en-geesten/