Lange Wapper, the Giant of Antwerp
Antwerp legend tells of a giant who could make himself tall enough to peer into upstairs windows, or small enough to slip into a child's lap.
What was reported
Lange Wapper, 'long Wapper', is a figure of Flemish folklore from Antwerp. He could change his size at will, stretching up to look through windows at night, or shrinking to the size of a small boy. He played tricks on drunkards, frightened lovers and teased anyone out late.
Some stories made him kind to children; others had him take the form of a child so that a mother would pick him up, then grow until she let him go in terror. A statue of him stands outside Het Steen, Antwerp's old riverside castle.
Explanations offered
He's a trickster spirit, used to keep people home at night. Some think the stories grew from tall shadows cast by lamplight in old streets. He remains a popular figure in Antwerp.
- When
- Told for centuries
- Where
- Het Steen, Antwerp, Belgium
- Witnesses
- Flemish folklore
- Status
- Legend
Famous cases are real, widely reported events. Each file sets out what witnesses said and the explanations that have been offered, without taking a side.
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