The Witch of Tongeren’s Brewery

A prosperous brewer from Tongeren was known for his excellent beer. But for months everything went terribly wrong. One worker after another disappeared mysteriously after an evening working at the brewery. Eventually their charred bodies were pulled from the boiling vat. The brewer lost hope and decided to close the business. This could not continue.

Just as the brewer planned to shut his doors, a young, brave worker appeared at his door. The brewer warned him seriously: «All my previous workers fell into the brewing vat and died.» But the young man laughed: «I am not afraid of ghosts. How much do you pay per month?» That night the new worker went to work, together with one of the older workers. Suddenly a small black cat appeared in the brewery. The creature rubbed against their legs with such force that both men staggered. «This is no ordinary cat!» cried the brave worker. He seized a rake and struck the beast to the ground. With two heavy blows he broke its front legs.

The next morning there was great commotion in the brewer’s house. His wife had emerged from bed with two broken arms. She could not explain what had happened. Then everyone understood the terrible truth: his wife was a witch! She had transformed herself into a cat and used supernatural strength to push the other workers into the vat. That night the brave worker had broken her curse. The brewery flourished again, and no worker ever disappeared into the boiling water again.