Tradition: Belgian Mythology
Alternative Names: Roessaart, Roesjhoart, Roesschaert
Category: Ghost, Witch, Dog

The Myth

Roesschaert was the ghost of a burned witch. She could appear in several frightening forms, most notably as an enormous black dog with a bell around its neck. At other times she appeared as a cat or a donkey. Whatever form she took, her presence was accompanied by the sound “Roes, Roes, Roes,” from which her name was said to derive.

Roesschaert was especially troublesome to fishermen. She would destroy their fishing nets or try to overturn their boats, bringing danger to those working at sea.

She could also rise suddenly from the water itself, appearing without warning beside fishermen and sailors. From the sea she would seize them and drag them into the depths, making Roesschaert a particularly feared spirit along the Flemish coast.

Sources

“Aardmannetje tot zwarte juffer: een lijst van Nederlandse en Vlaamse elfen en geesten.” Abe de Verteller. Accessed September 30, 2026. https://abedeverteller.nl/van-aardmannetje-tot-zwarte-juffer-een-lijst-van-nederlandse-en-vlaamse-elfen-en-geesten/

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.