YASHPEH
International Folktales Collection
The werewolf |
The Flying Dutchman and Other Folktales from the Netherlands |
Tradition: Dutch, Hollander |
Copyright © 2008 by Theo Meder |
In a house in the middle of the forest there once lived three religious souls: a father, a mother, and their daughter. On the door of their house hung a Saint Andrew's cross, as a defence against devils, ghosts, and other supernatural dangers; because of the cross they would not be able to enter the house. One evening the parents had to go out, and they told their daughter not to open the door to anyone. Of course, the parents were very worried that they had to leave their daughter behind, all alone in the house in the middle of the vast forest. The daughter, however, was glad that they left, because now she could finally invite her secret boyfriend over. Until that time, she locked all the doors and windows. She wasn't really afraid, because she was sure the cross on the door would protect her. Suddenly she heard a fearful scream somewhere outside. She went out into the forest to see what was going on. Soon the girl was sorry, because her red skirt got soiled, which she would be unable to explain, since it was forbidden to leave the house. Then she heard rustling sounds in the bushes and as she looked to the side, she saw a werewolf running towards her. She ran back to the house in terror. The werewolf almost caught up with her, and he even tore a piece of her skirt with his sharp teeth. Just in time the girl reached the house, where she would be safe because of the cross. She slammed the door behind her and locked up. The werewolf left soon after. Once she had calmed down, the girl changed clothes. After a while her boyfriend knocked on the door. She opened the door and told him what had happened. He didn't believe a word she said, and he roared with laughter. Now what did she see? Between his teeth she saw pieces of red cloth from her skirt .... It almost scared her to death. This is as far as the story goes, I'm afraid. |
This legend is known as folktale type SINSAG 823, Das zerbissene Tuch (the bitten cloth), and was sent to me by Moniek Grimme from Oirschot (North Brabant) on October 4, 1998. The translation is based on T. Meder, De magische vlucht (Amsterdam, 2000), pp. 134-135. |
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