Horns of Power: Manifestations of the Horned God: An anthology of essays exploring the Horned Gods of myth and folklore, ancient history through to modern times

by Sorita d'Este

As Herne lay bleeding the King called for his physician, but he was back at the castle. No-one could help and the King watched on helpless as Herne lay dying. Then, as if from nowhere, a man on a black horse appeared from behind a large beech tree. Philip Urswick, for such he called himself, introduced himself to the King and offered his services. Some cried he must be a poacher, out after the stag himself, but others recognised him and told the King of his deeds. For Urswick was a wizard, who dwelled nearby on Bagshot Heath, though being black clad on a black horse there were some who claimed he was the devil himself. Knowing that Urswick was the only chance Herne had, the King gave his permission for him to tend Herne’s wounds. Urswick studied Herne’s wounds and muttered a charm too softly for any to make out. He turned to two of the huntsmen and instructed them to remove the antlers from the dead stag to be fixed to Herne’s head. The bewildered huntsmen looked at their King, who nodded his agreement, willing to try anything. The bloody antlers were tied to Herne’s head and he was carried on a litter through the forest to Urswick’s hut on Bagshot Heath. Still as a corpse Herne lay for the whole journey, giving no sign that he was still alive. After a month of treatment by Urswick, drinking strange potions and covered with lotions, the antlers came off and Herne returned to the Castle in good health. King Richard was so delighted to see his young rescuer in go...