The Witte Wieven, often spelled Wittewijven, are spirits of enlightened women or alternatively, elven beings, according to Dutch mythology and tradition. The legend was well-known in the present-day Dutch, Belgium and French territories and dates at least as far back as the Pagan era of the seventh century. They were sometimes referred to as Juffers, Joffers i.e. Ladies or Dames Blanches meaning White Ladies, in French. In the past, the Witte Wieven were regarded as sage female herbalists and healers who treated physical and mental illnesses of patients. They were rumoured to be gifted with the ability to predict the future. As a result of their high position in the community, memorial services were held at their graves when they passed away. According to tradition, their souls stayed on earth and evolved into elves or living spirits that either aided or impeded those who came into contact with them. They typically lived in graveyards or other holy locations. People would bring sacrifices and ask for assistance because it was believed that the mist on a gravehill was the spirit of the wise woman making an appearance. The mythology of Witte Wieven is thought to have developed from the Germanic belief in Disen, Land Wights, and/or Alven (Dutch for Elves) for a number of reasons. Honoring Disen, Land Wights, and Alfen in Germanic paganism involves delivering offerings to their graves and making requests for assistance. Moreover, the mythical Witte Wieven were sometimes referred to as Alfen or Alven directly. It is possible that the association of knowledgeable women with the colour white was made accidentally during translation or as a representative colour association, however opinions on this point are divided
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[Image: 1660 etching depicting Witte Wieven living in Tumuli]
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