The persecution of witches also breathed new life into the legend of the werewolf. Flemish folklore featured many kinds of werewolves: all-consuming predators, shaggy-haired savages or mischievous poltergeists.
The eight werewolves that roamed around Lier were the meanest kind, at least according to Cathelyne Van den Bulcke. This 'witch' from Nijlen (see location of memorial stone and Prisoners' Gate) confessed to this under torture. From "her devil" Moonvaeyer she learned that these monsters could be found between Broechem and Lachenen, hidden along the road to Antwerp. They mostly preyed on children, but also attacked adults. The werewolves were said to be a diabolical punishment for the crimes of the locals, who had murdered poor travellers.
The werewolves had red fur and changed shape every day. They were apparently cursed children, previously abandoned in the forest. This last claim was probably a convenient excuse for Van den Bulcke not to have to implicate any living people with her interrogators.
Read the historical background here
We go back in time and look for traces of the Spanish period in Lier. Let yourself be carried away by the Spanish history in the city of Lier!
The Scandinavia Tour follows the trail of kings and Vikings in Lier. Scan the QR codes along the way and discover the past of these northern raiders.