Tradition: Dutch Mythology
Alternative Names: Fiery Land Surveyor
Category: Ghost
The Myth
The Vurige Landmeter, or Fiery Land Surveyor, is a wandering spirit in Dutch folklore. It is the ghost of someone who moved a boundary stone or marker to alter the boundaries of a property. As punishment for this dishonest act, the spirit is condemned to wander eternally while carrying the stone on its back, unable to find rest.
Those who encounter the ghost may hear it lamenting, “Where shall I put it?” A person who knows the legend can answer, “Just put it back where you took it from!” By following this advice, the spirit can return the boundary stone to its original position and finally be released from its wandering. The tale serves as a supernatural warning against tampering with property boundaries and emphasizes that a wrongfully moved marker must be restored before the guilty soul can find peace.
Sources
Van der Veen, Abe. “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/