Tradition: Dutch Mythology, Belgian Mythology
Alternative Names: De Gloeiige (Engelsman), Gloeiende Gerrit, Gleunigen, Glende Kerels, Sjoufert
Category: Flame
The Myth
The Glène Kerel, also known as the Gloeiende Gerrit or Sjoufert, is a fiery ghostly figure condemned to burn because of a curse he brought upon himself during his lifetime. He usually appears as a living flame, but may also take the form of a blazing ball of fire, a fiery projectile, or a burning bundle of straw or thatch. The spirit is often said to have once been an unjust land surveyor, an arsonist, a thief, or a murderer. Many had sworn false oaths, declaring that they would burn forever if they were lying. After their deaths, these words became their eternal punishment.
The Glène Kerel wanders through the darkness as a burning apparition, frightening travellers and responding to those who call or whistle for him. Anyone who summons the fiery figure and then flees may discover a blackened handprint burned into their door the following morning. The spirit’s punishment is not limited to wandering the roads, however. During autumn, the fiery men are said to descend from the sky and scourge chimneys with burning chains. Sometimes they enter houses themselves, striking sinners with their chains and leaving painful burn marks as a sign of their supernatural punishment.
In Venlo, tradition held that the community had to provide the fiery man each year with a cartload of sand, several pairs of tin shoes, and seven and a half stuivers. These offerings formed part of the local relationship with the dangerous spirit, whose blazing appearance and burning chains made him a feared presence in the region.
Sources
“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/