Vertrekland

Vertrekland is a fictional location that appears in the works of the Dutch author Thea Beckman. It is a significant setting in her young adult novel *Kruistocht in spijkerbroek* (Crusade in Jeans), first published in 1973. In the story, Vertrekland serves as the temporary refuge and organizing point for the children's crusade, a historical event depicted in a fantastical, altered manner.

The name "Vertrekland" translates from Dutch to "Departure Land" or "Leaving Land," which aptly describes its function within the narrative. It is a place where the young participants gather, prepare, and ultimately embark on their journey. The exact geographical location of Vertrekland is not precisely defined, adding to its mythical or allegorical quality. It represents a transitional space, a point of departure from their known lives and an entry into an unknown, perilous adventure.

Within the context of *Kruistocht in spijkerbroek*, Vertrekland is depicted as a bustling but also somber assembly point. It is where the children, driven by a mixture of religious fervor and youthful idealism, converge before setting out towards the Holy Land. The atmosphere is often characterized by a sense of both hope and underlying trepidation. Thea Beckman uses Vertrekland to symbolize the collective will and shared purpose of the young crusaders, highlighting themes of faith, leadership, and the consequences of misguided zeal. The land itself is portrayed as a temporary encampment, reflecting the transient nature of the crusade and the children's stay there.