The sculpture of the Zevenbergen mermaid sits on a rock near the canal in the center of town, at a crossroads intersection. map
The sculpture was created in 1983 by Niek van Leest.
It is based on a legend in Zevenbergen about a time in the 15th century when the inhabitants were focused on possessions, property and wealth. At this time a mermaid appeared in the port of Zevenbergen. She asked for something to drink (which is admittedly a little off for a mermaid) , but was given nothing. Angrily, she predicted in a curse: "Zevenbergen will perish, but the Lobbekenstoren will remain standing". With that she disappeared into the water.
Her prediction came true in 1421 when the St. Elisabeth Flood caused Zevenbergen to be largely destroyed. And again this happened during the defeat by Philip the Good of Burgundy in 1427.
With her prediction coming true twice within a couple decades, the townsfolk adopted the legend in earnest.
References:
● Mermaid prophesies
