Episode 148 - Hugh Williams - The Wild Hunt and The Spectral Huntsmen of Central England

My guest for this episode is author and folklorist Hugh Williams, who joined me to discuss his new book The Horn of Mercia; The Wild Hunt and The Spectral Huntsman of Central England.

In the book, Hugh explores the history of the legendary Wild Hunt, delving into the ancient origins of the idea, it’s emergence as a supernatural phenomenon in Medieval Europe and how it has been recorded and reported in the folklore of the English Midlands, where he grew up. He also writes about both the mythic figures who were said to lead the hunt and those that were solitary, most notably Herne the Hunter a character famously mentioned in the Shakespeare play The Merry Wives of Windsor. Hugh investigates the legend of Herne in depth and, using an evidence-based approach, theorises a new origin for this legendary phantom.

I begin the interview by talking briefly with Hugh about the medieval kingdom of Mercia. From there he discusses the history of the Wild Hunt legend, and goes through his theory about the origins and evidence for Herne the Hunter.

You can find out more about Hugh's book, along with his 'Mysteries of Mercia' social media accounts at https://www.mysteriesofmercia.com/.

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The podcast theme music is by The Night Monitor, from his album, ‘Close Encounters of the Pennine Kind’. You can find out more about The Night Monitor's music at https://thenightmonitor.bandcamp.com/.