shelidonOctober 13, 2024Leave a Comment

The Witte Wieven (also spelled Wittewijven) are ghostly spirits rooted in Dutch and Germanic folklore, often associated with the spirits of wise women, healers, or witches who lived during ancient times. The name “Witte Wieven” translates to either “White Women” or “Wise Women,” and these beings are typically depicted as pale, ghostly figures clothed in long white robes, shrouded in mist or fog.

They are known for their elusive, mysterious appearance, usually seen in the liminal spaces of early morning or late evening in remote, misty landscapes such as moors, forests, or hills. Their form is fluid, often described as part human and part mist, as they move through the air like wraiths. In some tales, the Witte Wieven appear as glowing or luminescent.

The Witte Wieven are believed to reside in ancient burial mounds, caves, or sacred groves, places that are considered to be closely connected to the spiritual world, and they are seen as guardians of sacred knowledge and ancient traditions. Although they are sometimes mistaken for ghosts, the Witte Wieven are more accurately described as spirits tied to the earth, possessing wisdom and abilities that surpass those of “ordinary” spirits of mortals.

The Witte Wieven have a complex and ambivalent nature in Dutch folklore. They can be seen as benevolent figures who use their powers to help those in need, but they can also be vengeful and dangerous when angered. Their dual nature reflects their role as wise women who hold knowledge of both life and death, healing and harm.

In many legends, the Witte Wieven act as protectors of the land and the people who honour them. They are said to be able to heal the sick, offer guidance, and bestow blessings upon those who treat them with respect. In these tales, the Witte Wieven are often depicted as midwives, healers, or oracles who use their supernatural knowledge to aid humans. They might appear to warn travelers of impending danger or guide them safely through treacherous terrain.

One of their most famous legends comes from the Gelderland region in the Netherlands. According to the tale, a local farmer who was travelling home late at night encountered the Witte Wieven near an ancient burial mound. The spirits, appearing as ghostly white women, surrounded him and asked him to follow them. Fearing for his life, the farmer tried to resist, but the Witte Wieven used their powers to confuse him, leading him in circles through the misty landscape. He wandered lost for hours until dawn, when the spirits finally disappeared, and he was able to find his way home. The farmer later recounted his experience, warning others to stay away from the burial mounds after dark, lest they incur the wrath of the Witte Wieven.

And rightly so.

The ladies can be vengeful toward those who disrespect them or desecrate the sacred sites they inhabit. In some stories, they are portrayed as tricksters who lead travellers astray, luring them into swamps, forests, or dangerous places where they become lost or fall into harm.

Another popular tale comes from the Drenthe region, where the Witte Wieven were believed to inhabit the dolmens scattered across the landscape. In this story, a group of treasure hunters, believing that gold was buried beneath the stones, attempted to dig up one of the dolmens. As they dug, the Witte Wieven appeared, shrouded in mist, and cursed the men for desecrating the sacred site. The treasure hunters fled in terror, but the curse followed them, and they suffered misfortune and illness for the rest of their lives.

One common theme in Witte Wieven stories is their association with mist and fog, which they use to conceal themselves and disorient those who come too close. In many tales, people who encounter the Witte Wieven describe feeling a sense of otherworldly disorientation, as though they have stepped into a realm that is not entirely of this world.

One of the oldest recorded references to the Witte Wieven comes from the 13th century, in a document written by the monk Jacob van Maerlant. In his text, he describes the Witte Wieven as spirits of wise women who had died and returned to the earth to watch over it. This depiction highlights their ancient connection to wisdom and the earth, as well as their role as guardians of sacred places.

The Witte Wieven have also appeared in local festivals and traditions in the Netherlands, where performers dress in white robes and reenact the legends of these spirits, bringing the folklore to life for new generations. These performances often take place in the regions most associated with the Witte Wieven, such as Gelderland and Drenthe, where the ancient burial mounds and dolmens still stand as reminders of the spirits’ presence.

Anton Pieck allegedly drew an illustration of these ghostly figures in a mist-shrouded forest. Pieck is a renowned Dutch artist known for his enchanting depictions of fairy tales and folklore. I couldn’t find the original piece, but you can see how awesome he is.

You can read more about them in this awesome post by the great Signe Maene.