Herne the Hunter
Edmund’s Newell’s exploration of the origins of Herne the Hunter is a fascinating look at an intriguing legend that has inspired writers, historians, and anthropologists for centuries. The first known reference to Herne is in Shakespeare’s The Merry Wives of Windsor, in which the character of Falstaff is made to dress up as Herne; complete with antlers, so that the merry wives can play a trick on him. In the 1623 folio, reference is made to the old tale of Herne, which would suggest that he is already a part of local folklore. Newell then traces all other references to Herne as legend, ghost or devil in literature, art, history and folktale, from the gothic writings of William Harrison Ainsworth to the children’s fantasy books of John Masefield, Alan Garner and Susan Cooper to the identification of Herne as the Horned God of Wicca by Gerald Gardner, Doreen Valiente and Janet & Stuart Farrar, and the God worshipped by Robin Hood and his forest dwelling companions in the 1980s TV hit Robin of Sherwood.
Newell details how and why Herne has become such an important legend in English folklore and how each generation remembers and builds on the past, adding layers to the tale and deepening the fascination we all have with the legend. A genuinely intriguing book that will be enjoyed by anyone with an interest in folktales, history, or fantasy literature.
