Description
Herne the Hunter is a legendary figure in English folklore, particularly associated with Windsor Forest and Windsor Great Park in Berkshire. He is depicted as a ghostly entity with antlers growing from his head, riding a horse, and causing havoc by tormenting cattle and rattling chains.
The earliest mention of Herne can be found in William Shakespeare’s play “The Merry Wives of Windsor” written around 1597.
“There is an old tale goes, that Herne the Hunter
(sometime a keeper here in Windsor Forest)
Doth all the winter-time, at still midnight
Walk round about an oak, with great ragg’d horns;
And there he blasts the tree, and takes the cattle,
And makes milch-kine yield blood, and shakes a chain
In a most hideous and dreadful manner.
You have heard of such a spirit, and well you know
The superstitious idle-headed eld
Receiv’d, and did deliver to our age
This tale of Herne the Hunter for a truth.”
(The Merry Wives of Windsor Act 4, scene 4)
It is unclear whether Shakespeare drew from an existing local legend or created the character himself.
Over time, Herne’s story has been subject to various interpretations and additions. Samuel Ireland’s 1792 account suggests that Herne was a former forest keeper who committed suicide by hanging himself on a tree. Herne’s association with the Wild Hunt, as proposed by Jacob Grimm, further expanded his mythological connections.
It is possible that the character of Herne has some connection to the Celtic deity Cernunnos. Cernunnos is commonly portrayed as a guardian of the forest and its inhabitants, representing the untamed forces of the wilderness. He is often depicted sitting cross-legged, surrounded by animals such as stags, serpents, and wolves, emphasizing his affinity with wildlife and the primal forces of nature. The antlers or horns he wears symbolize his association with the animal kingdom and his role as a divine protector.
Although much of the information about Cernunnos comes from ancient Celtic artifacts and inscriptions, his precise role and significance in Celtic mythology remain somewhat elusive.
In the 20th century, Herne’s legend gained popularity, with reported sightings and personal encounters being recounted. The character also found its way into modern literature and media, such as Susan Cooper’s “The Dark Is Rising Sequence” and the TV series “Robin of Sherwood”.
Despite the ongoing speculation and attempts to link Herne to historical figures or ancient deities, the true origins and nature of Herne the Hunter remain elusive, adding to the allure of this enigmatic folklore figure.
Classic 100% cotton tee with taped neck and shoulders, and a double seam at the sleeves and bottom hem. Eldon Threads logo printed discreetly on the reverse as an outer label just below the neck. Open-end yarn. Tubular fabric. Fabric weight: 5.0–5.3 oz/yd² (170-180 g/m²).
Let ELDON THREADS inspire you with ancient lore in the face of ever-changing times.
