Wild Hunt

The Wild Hunt is one of the most widespread folk beliefs in Northern Europe. Its leader varies by region — Odin (Scandinavia), Herne the Hunter (England), Wodan (Germany). The Hunt sweeps through the sky on winter nights, particularly Samhain through Yule, with a host of the dead, hounds, and supernatural riders. Witnesses who did not hide or show proper reverence might be seized and taken with it.

A host of black-clad phantom riders on black horses or spectral steeds, accompanied by baying hounds with glowing eyes. The sound is described as howling wind, galloping hooves, horn calls, and the wailing of the dead. Its leader may appear as a one-eyed old man, a horned figure, or a skeletal knight.

The Hunt was an omen of catastrophe — war, plague, or the death of a king. Those caught outside during its passage were sometimes taken permanently. Looking directly at it risked death or being compelled to ride with it for eternity.