Long Wapper

“Lange Wapper was a mischievous spirit who came to annoy the people of Antwerp. Sometimes he also punished dishonest people, like Stans from ’t Gangske. She often hid near the foundling drawer. Anyone who betrayed a mother who had placed her child in the drawer could earn a hefty reward. One day, when a baby was lying in front of Stans's own door, she decided to take it to the foundling drawer as well. On the way, the child became heavier and heavier, until Stans could no longer carry it. She expected a dull thud when the baby fell to the ground, but instead heard a mocking laugh. It turned out to be Lange Wapper who had disguised himself as a baby and gave Stans a shake.”

“This is just one of the many legends that circulate about Lange Wapper. Another is that the numerous statues of Mary that hang in the city were placed there for protection against Lange Wapper. As an accomplice of the devil, he would run away from them. After a while, there were so many statues of Mary that Lange Wapper decided to leave the city. Since then, the people of Antwerp have been rid of him.”

Hanna Van Thienen