Tradition: Dutch Mythology
Alternative Names: –
Category: Flame
The Myth
Ouwe Beer is the name for a Dwaallichtje.
During his life, he was a farmer who moved the boundary stones and thereby stole land from his neighbors. He was also said to have made a pact with the devil.
When he died, his coffin was too light, but when it was placed on the hearse, it was suddenly too heavy. He must wander eternally as a ball of fire or a weak, flickering light. During the day, he hides in a hollow tree.
Sources
Abe de Verteller. (2014). Van aardmannetje tot zwarte juffer: Een lijst van Nederlandse en Vlaamse elfen en geesten. In AbeDeVerteller.nl, from https://abedeverteller.nl/van-aardmannetje-tot-zwarte-juffer-een-lijst-van-nederlandse-en-vlaamse-elfen-en-geesten/