Tradition: Belgian Mythology
Alternative Names: Heksen op kruiwagenwielen
Category: Witch
The Myth
Three witches appeared at night riding upon the wheels of wheelbarrows. Two boys from Denderhoutem had gone to Steenhuize to court, but during their journey they lost their way in the darkness. After wandering for a long time, they reached an isolated house standing alone in the fields. There was no one to be seen, and not a single light burned inside.
A little farther along the road, they suddenly encountered a woman riding upon a wheelbarrow wheel. Without saying a word, she rode straight into the deserted house. The boys continued on their way, only to meet another woman riding upon a wheelbarrow wheel, and then a third.
When they had gone a little farther, curiosity and unease made them look back. The lonely house they had passed was now completely engulfed in flames and fire. Nearly dead with fright, the two boys hurried home.
Sources
De Cock, Alfons. Vlaamsche sagen uit den volksmond. Amsterdam: Maatschappij voor Goede en Goedkoope Lectuur, 1921.