History, Wonder Tales, Fairy Tales, Myths and Legends The Flemish | Page 213

Historical Background
Centuries ago the deltas formed by three great rivers, the Weser, the Meuse, and
the Scheldt, were inhabited by the Goths,[1] who were an ancient Teutonic
people. These rivers deposited their muddy debris for ages on what became known
as “the Low Countries.” The fertility of these plains became fatal to the native
possessors because many foreign tyrants sought to conquer these Low
Countries. This aroused and inspired resistance among the inhabitants; they acquired
the genius of liberty and of upholding independence. These natives, whose name
became synonymous with liberty, were cultivators of soil; the tribe was
called Frisii, Frisories or Frisians.
Some four