E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Wild Huntsman.
The German tradition is that a spectral hunter with dogs frequents the Black Forest to chase the wild animals. (Sir Walter Scott: Wild Huntsman.)
1
The French story of Le Grand Veneur is laid in Fontainebleau Forest, and is considered to be “St. Hubert.” (Father Matthieu.)
2
The English name is “Herne the Hunter,” who was once a keeper in Windsor Forest. In winter time, at midnight, he walks about Herne’s Oak, and blasts trees and cattle. He wears horns, and rattles a chain in a “most hideous manner” (Merry Wives of Windsor, iv. 4.)
3
Another legend is that a certain Jew would not suffer Jesus to drink out of a horse-trough, but pointed to some water in a hoof print as good enough for “such an enemy of Moses,” and that this man is the “Wild Huntsman.” (Kuhn von Schwarz: Nordd. Sagen, p. 499.)
