Legend of the Flying Dutchman
 

For some reason I have a burning desire to learn more, with questions for those of you who have read Dutch language nautical folklore.

Was the origin ever pinpointed to the Netherlands? For some reason much written material about the ship was traced to Scotland.

Is there evidence that the legend spread fear through seaport taverns, or was it just another bedtime story for children?

Also want to know what type of narcotics 18th Century sailors had access to that might cause them to hallucinate or conjure up a spectre ship (other than badly distilled alcohol). Were some witnesses identified for mental health issues?

If anyone could point me to the scribblings of scholars, scientists, investigative reporters, ghostbusters, etc. who weighed in, it would be appreciated.

Re: Legend of the Flying Dutchman
 

What I always understood is that the earliest books or scripts published/known always refer to a Dutch captain. Sometimes with a name. It seems that one of these early writers lived in Zeeland (Terneuzen) for some time and picked it up there as local folklore. The published names are almost in every case "fake" or not traceable as "real" man. Sometimes the name Bernard Fokke is used, which is a real captain of around 1678....it is funny if you read Dutch and English wikipedia how much different it is....

Re: Legend of the Flying Dutchman
 

Hi John,

Thanks for your reply!