If there is one person who is unevitably linked with Damme, it can only be Tijl Uilenspiegel.

The name Till Eulenspiegel, as a very waggish figure, is recorded for the first time in the 15th century in Germany.  In the beginning of the 16th century, two editions appear regarding Uilenspiegel.  In these editions, Tijl was born in Sachsen (Germany) and died in Moelln.  Another edition out of the same period brings us a Tijl who doesn't like anything more than to play tricks with everybody.  According to this edition, Uilenspiegel was born in Germany, but he died in Damme, where he was burried under the church tower.  Shortly after that some other books are printed, also in English and French. 

The most known work is without any doubt the book of Charles De Coster from 1867.  In this book, Tijl was born in Damme during the Spanish occupation and the religious troubles.  His father, Klaas, was burnt on the pile because he helped a heretic.  Tijl, his girlfriend Nele and his friend Lamme Goedzak help the Geuzen (protestant religious fighters) in their battle against the Spanish.  Uilenspiegel no longer is the joker, but  the people's hero who fights against the occupator.

Everywhere in Damme, his spirit can be found.  In one of the walls of the cemetary is a sculpture made by the artist  Koos van der Kaai and besides the Damse Vaart stands a group of statues by the hand of Jef Claerhout.  In Damme's Literary Museum (in Huyze de Grote Sterre, also the Office for Tourism), you can learn more about the life of this joker - hero.