Dutch Cow Mythology

Zeekalf

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Tradition: Dutch Mythology
Alternative Names: Zeekalf
Category: Cow

The Myth

The Zeekalf is an enormous sea monster from the folklore of Harderwijk. It has fiery eyes, a drooling mouth, and legs resembling those of a bat.

Sailors who swear too much may cause the creature to appear aboard their ship. Once the Zeekalf has come aboard, however, there is a way to drive it away. If the sailors pray to God, the devilish creature will flee from them.

Sources

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

Plaagbeest

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Tradition: Dutch Mythology
Alternative names: Pleachbist, Blaffert, Pestdier
Category: Cow

The Myth

The Plaagbeest is a supernatural creature said to appear in the darkness and follow people or allow itself to be carried by them. As it remains with its victim, it can become extraordinarily heavy, making it increasingly difficult to carry.

It is commonly described as either a black calf with large eyes and long ears, or as a black, shaggy dog with sparkling eyes and a long tail.

The Plaagbeest is often found hiding in barns, particularly high up on the beams. It has a peculiar habit of clapping its ears together, producing a barking-like sound. Because of this, it is also known as the Blaffert.

Although the creature frightens people terribly, its presence is considered more dangerous because it can bring the plague and other diseases to both humans and animals.

There is, however, a simple way to appease it. Offering the Plaagbeest a piece of rye bread is said to make it leave the person alone.

Sources

“Van aardmannetje tot zwarte juffer: Een lijst van Nederlandse en Vlaamse elfen en geesten.” Abe de Verteller. Accessed August 29, 2026. https://abedeverteller.nl/van-aardmannetje-tot-zwarte-juffer-een-lijst-van-nederlandse-en-vlaamse-elfen-en-geesten/