Public - The Pagan Portal Podcast

Is Herne the Hunter really an ancient god, or is there more to his story than meets the eye? In this episode of the Pagan Portal Podcast, Rachel Patterson chats with Moon Books author Andrew Anderson about one of Britain’s most mysterious folklore figures. Herne, the antlered spirit of Windsor Forest, has become an important figure in modern Paganism, witchcraft, Druidry, and folklore. But how much of what we know about him is actually supported by history? Drawing on his latest book, Andrew takes us through stories about Shakespeare, Victorian folklore, Robin of Sherwood, the Wild Hunt, and how Herne went from a little-known ghost story to a well-known figure in modern Paganism. Rachel and Andrew also discuss how folklore grows, how traditions change, and why some spiritual figures are important even if their origins are not ancient. In this episode, you’ll find out: • Who Herne the Hunter really was in the earliest surviving sources • Whether William Shakespeare invented Herne or inherited an older legend • The story behind Herne’s Oak and the many trees that have claimed the name • How Herne became connected with the Wild Hunt and why that link is more complicated than many realise • Whether Herne has any genuine connection to the Green Man or other horned deities • How popular culture, from Robin of Sherwood to The Box of Delights, helped shape modern Pagan views of Herne • Why folklore is constantly evolving, and how communities create living traditions • Andrew’s thoughts on whether Herne should be understood as a god, a spirit, a folkloric figure, or something altogether different If you’re interested in Paganism, witchcraft, British folklore, Druidry, mythology, or how history links to modern spiritual practice, you’ll find this conversation thoughtful and grounded in real evidence. It offers a new perspective on one of England’s most famous legendary figures. If you enjoy the Pagan Portal Podcast, please like, subscribe, and let us know your thoughts about Herne the Hunter in the comments. We’d love to hear how you connect with or understand this fascinating figure in your own practice.