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by Youri Boone

Osschaart is a figure from Flemish folklore bearing an uncanny resemblance to Kludde and Lange Wapper. He jumps on the backs of passers-by, mostly drunkards, hindering their movement. He can take the shape of any animal he wishes, although his original form is said to be of a bull with a man's head and chains in his hands. His presence could be detected by the sound of rattling chains.

There is another version of the Osschaart figure, in which he acts as a water spirit, much like the nix. He would jump on the boats or backs of fishermen if they failed to toss their first catch back in the water.