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Herne the Hunter
HernetheHunter
Herne with his steed, hounds and owl, observed by the Duke of Richmond and the Earl of Surrey, in Harrison Ainsworth's Windsor Castle, illustrated by George Cruikshank, c.1843.

Real Name

Herne the Hunter

First Appearance

English folklore

Created by

Unknown

Historical Background[]

In English folklore, Herne the Hunter is a ghost associated with Windsor Forest and Great Park in the English county of Berkshire. He has antlers upon his head.

In Popular Culture[]

The first literary mention of Herne is in William Shakespeare's play, The Merry Wives of Windsor, though there are several theories attempting to place the origins of Herne as predating any evidence for him by connecting his appearance to pagan deities or ancient archetypes.

Herne has appeared in various books, TV series and other media since his first mention by Shakespeare.

Public Domain Appearances[]

Music

  • Falstaff (opera,1893)
  • Victoria and Merrie England (ballet, 1897)
  • Merrie England (opera, 1902)

Literature

  • The Merry Wives of Windsor (1602)
  • Windsor Castle (1843)


See Also[]

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