Barneman

The Barneman (also known as Barleman) is a ghost or water creature from the Zuiderzee area. It is said that fishermen from Harderwijk could see him appear from the Hierden Stream. Holding an eerie little light against his chest, he walked his way over the Zuiderzee and moved towards the harbor of Harderwijk. His appearance was always a bad omen and had everyone turn their ship back to safety. The appearance of the Barneman signified a terrible nothern storm. It is said the Barneman snorts and huffs worse than a horse. This according to those unfortunate enough to have him on board. There's a possibility the Barneman was associated with the devil, whose nicknames were plenty and one of them was "Barlebaen."