The Legend of the Three-Handled Beer Mug

Let me introduce you to the tale of the three-handled beer mug. Whether a humorous anecdote or a historical curiosity, it exists in both Flanders and Wallonia.

The three-handled beer mug of Olen

In the charming Flemish town of Olen, a captivating legend has taken root, revolving around Emperor Charles (Charlemagne) and a peculiar three-handled beer mug. This story, rich in tradition and humor, showcases the ingenuity of the local farmers and their efforts to impress their esteemed guest.

Emperor Charles, known for his fondness for hunting and travel, often visited Olen. The farmers, who typically drank from handle-less tankards, decided to honor the Emperor by crafting a special tankard with a handle. However, when the innkeeper handed the tankard to the Emperor, she inadvertently held it by the handle, rendering it impossible for the monarch to grasp it properly.

Determined to rectify their mistake, the villagers presented Emperor Charles with a two-handled tankard on his next visit. Unfortunately, the innkeeper slipped up again, holding both handles, and again leaving the Emperor struggling to grasp the mug.

On his third visit, the resourceful villagers of Olen crafted a tankard with three handles. This time, the innkeeper held two handles, finally allowing Emperor Charles to easily grasp the third. “At last,” he exclaimed, “success,” and downed his beer.

Fact or fiction?

The true origins of this amusing tale remain shrouded in mystery. It is uncertain if Emperor Charles ever visited Olen. However, his sister, Mary of Hungary, was the governor of the Netherlands and frequently stayed at her castle in Turnhout, a short distance from Olen. Given Emperor Charles’ love for hunting, it is plausible that he may have visited Olen during one of his hunting expeditions.

Enjoy a three-handled mug

The legend of the three-handled beer mug is celebrated in various local taverns in Olen. In “De Zwarte Stier,” visitors used to be able to admire the “real and original” three-handled tankard, but unfortunately the tavern no longer exists (nor the tankard). But “De Pot van Keizer Karel” in Olen displays its own versions of this unique tankard.

The Walcourt version: The four-handled mug!

Intriguingly, a near identical legend exists in Walcourt, a town in the province of Namur, Wallonia. In this version, the Emperor and the innkeeper go through the same rigmarole, but when it comes to the finale, there is a difference. The Emperor’s attempts to grasp the three-handled tankard culminate in a humorous twist. The innkeeper holds two of the handles but with the third handle pointing toward her chest, making it impossible for the Emperor to reach. Frustrated, he requests a beer mug with four handles! Since that day, in Walcourt you can enjoy a drink of the Beer Charles Lequint (or Keizer Karel) from a four-handled tankard, as Herman Vandecauter recently experienced:

Indeed, Walcourt is very keen to celebrate this bit of folklore, albeit with a container for flowers rather than beer:

The three-handled beer mug in art and culture

The story of the three-handled tankard has transcended folklore and found its way into art and popular culture. Pieter Bruegel the Elder’s 16th-century painting “Peasant Dance” features a man holding a pitcher with three handles. Or is it a four-handled mug? Because if you look carefully, there seems to be a broken fourth handle lying at the feet of a dancing couple!

In the popular Suske and Wiske comic book series, the story “De Pottenproever” takes place in Olen, featuring the iconic three-handled pot and other local folklore.

Olen itself celebrates this legend with a fountain of copper pots with different numbers of handles in the town market.

Visit Walcourt

Built on a rocky spur between Eau d’ Heure and Eau d’ Yves, Walcourt is a fortified village of medieval origin. You can still find remnants of a castle, a collegiate church, a Cistercian abbey, mills and breweries, as well as old walls and gates and a watchtower. Worth visiting is the Saint Maternus’ Basilica which dates back to 1220, although pillaging, war and fire were to extend its construction over several centuries. The waymarked ‘ramparts walk’ crosses the small city to reveal its heritage. The municipal museum is devoted mainly to the history of the rail, but also includes examples of the archaeological, historical, folk and artistic wealth of Walcourt.

Where to stay in Walcourt

For a delightful stay in Walcourt you might find one of these exceptional B&Bs ideal:

• Confluences: This B&B is in a modernized, quaint town house.
• Au bout de mes rêves: An exceptional and quiet setting deep in the countryside.
• La grange aux dîmes: Enjoy this peaceful corner of a quaint but fully renovated farmhouse.
• Le Fenil Aux Ânes: A beautiful location, with the added interest of a tennis court and donkeys!

Other possibilities abound of course as it’s a great area for tourism:

Any questions or comments, add them below or drop me a line.

Denzil Walton

I created Discovering Belgium in 2011 to share the country’s hidden stories, fascinating places, and remarkable people. Through articles, photography, and audio walks, I share discoveries that reveal Belgium beyond the obvious. Hope you enjoy this site.