As the nights grow longer and the leaves turn golden, the atmosphere invites us to gather around flickering candles and share tales of the supernatural. While Halloween might not be a traditional Dutch holiday, there is something quite compelling when the ‘spooky season’ arrives full of terrifying horror movies, unbelievably scary stories and spine-chilling eerie music. The North of the Netherlands also has its fair share of sinister legends waiting to be uncovered. So put on your scariest costumes, take out the most delicious Halloween candy and let’s unravel the creepiest tales from the provinces in the North!

A Dog You Wouldn't Want to Pet

A big, black, furry creature with huge shiny eyes comes near you? No, thank you! The “borries” is the Groningen name for a hellhound or ghost dog. It is described as a large, black dog with a curly coat and a disproportionately large head. Unlike regular dogs, the borrie's tail is thick and sticks out steeply behind. Its huge dark eyes could be seen best when the moon shines at them. In Groningen, borries were often found roaming around terrains of higher altitude and their awkward paw movements made them quite distinct. They were known to make people sick when they came to meet them at night. To protect oneself from the borries' power, one must refrain from doing or saying anything in their presence. These ghastly dogs were believed to have supernatural abilities and according to the local folklore, borries should be approached with great caution.

The "White Wives" of the North

“Witte Wieven” are widely regarded as the ghostly remnants of witches or individuals who met certain tragic ends and are now roaming the earth in search of vengeance. But these creatures have been known for centuries, instilling fear in the hearts of people across Western Europe. In Germany, they are referred to as “Weiße Frauen” while the French might know them as “Dames Blanches”. In the Netherlands, they are primarily linked to the regions of Gelderland, Drenthe, and Overijssel, but in Groningen, they are called Widde Juvvers (white wives).

These uncanny figures are known for their nocturnal appearances in flowing white dresses and veils. While few have seen their faces, witnesses often described them as old and unattractive women with sharp teeth and claws. However, in Groningen, the white wives were often perceived as not evil which was in full contrast with other tales of similar mystical creatures. Some were seen dancing together on top of a hill or having a picnic but not every instance of their occurrence had such a positive atmosphere. There are also tales of white maidens with bloodied handkerchiefs and stained garments who could easily seduce a man with their playful attitude. The man would usually fall for their tricks and then vanish in thin air, never found.

Fear the Bottomless Waters

A place often associated with the appearance of ghosts is where whirlpools tend to form. These deep water pools were created as the result of dike breaches when water swirled inward. According to the tales, however, many were bottomless and mysteriously created. For example, the one between the village of Noordhorn and Niezijl (both located in the province of Groningen) is also known as “Duvelskolk” (the devil’s whirlpool). The legend says that a man with his horses disappeared there. This was seen as his just reward because he was said to be a great liar. Scary stories like this one carry a moral: what goes around comes around - just like a spinning whirlpool, since it was believed that the devil himself dealt with the person. These tales also served to scare children as whirlpools were dangerous places that children were warned to avoid.

As we wrap up our spooky journey through the tales of Groningen, it’s clear that these legends add a unique charm to the autumn season. Whether you’re dodging the “borries” on a midnight stroll or keeping an eye out for the “Widde Juvvers” dancing in the moonlight, these tales remind us of the rich folklore that fills the northern Dutch landscapes with mystery and excitement. Whether you're sharing ghost stories in the misty surroundings of Grote Markt or enjoying a cosy night in, let the haunting spirit of these tales bring a touch of excitement to your Halloween celebrations!

Sources:

https://taaldacht.nl/2010/09/29/de-borries/

https://sannemeijeronderweg.nl/de-witte-juffers-van-groningen/

https://sannemeijeronderweg.nl/kijk-uit-voor-de-borries/#:~:text=Een%20borries%20is%20dus%

https://www.iamexpat.nl/lifestyle/lifestyle-news/dutch-folklore-witte-wieven

https://www.deverhalenvangroningen.nl/alle-verhalen/spokerijen-in-het-westerkwartier