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Herne the Huntmaster, or Herne Hurkgruum in Orcish, also known as the Wild Hunter, was a deity of hunting worshiped by the orcs of the High Forest, instead of the orc pantheon.[2][5][3][1] He was also the herald of Cerunnos when that god needed to intervene in mortal affairs, in which capacity he was known as as Herne the Hunter.[4]

Description[]

As Herne the Hunter, he rode a nightmare and wore a black skull mask and a crown of antlers.[4]

History[]

A long time before Corellon's battle with Gruumsh, an incarnation or avatar of Herne came to the world of Toril and was slain by the native deity Malar. Years later, when a young Araushnee went looking to recruit Malar she found and gazed upon the shadowy remains of Herne.[6]

Around the time of the rise of Netheril,[7] a wave of planar immigrants came from another world[5] and settled on Toril.[7] One of these groups of people came from a rugged land with a culture tied to nature, the sea, and the warrior history of its dozen-king greater god. They brought with them their own style of society and faiths,[7] with the worship of Celtic deities. This included a new incarnation of Herne, who would become corrupted.[5][note 1]

This Herne was worshiped by orc tribes in northwest Faerûn's High Forest,[2][5][3] including the Bloody Eye, Horned Lord, Sharpspike, and Tanglethorn tribes by the mid–14th century DR.[2][3]

Eventually, during the Time of Troubles of 1358 DR, Herne was challenged and defeated once more in battle by Malar,[5] who then proceeded to assume his portfolio and identity.[5][3]

Nevertheless, the High Forest orcs' faith in Herne Hurkgruum would remain strong. During the Gray Migrations out of the High Forest in 1372 DR, they took it with them through the Delimbiyr Vale and Graypeak Mountains.[1]

Possessions[]

Herne was said to wield a spear called "Boarskewer".[1]

Holy Symbol[]

His symbol to the High Forest orcs was a single antler, usually drawn as a stylized pictograph.[1]

Worshipers[]

Notably, Herne the Huntmaster was revered by the High Forest orcs, instead of the typical orc pantheon. His priests were almost entirely adepts and druids, as well as a few clerics.[1]

Appendix[]

Notes[]

  1. Faiths & Avatars does not state that Herne is a newer incarnation, only a newly arrived deity, but due to him being shown in Evermeet: Island of Elves as having died thousands of years prior to the time of Netheril, this seems the only logical explanation.

Appearances[]

Novels
Referenced only
Elves of Evermeet

References[]

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 Ed Greeley (2003). Legacy of the Green Regent: Gray Hunt. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 9.
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 Jennell Jaquays (1988). The Savage Frontier. (TSR, Inc), p. 27. ISBN 0-88038-593-6.
  3. 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 slade, et al. (April 1996). “The Wilderness”. In James Butler ed. The North: Guide to the Savage Frontier (TSR, Inc.), p. 14. ISBN 0-7869-0391-0.
  4. 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 William L. Christensen (April 2006). “The Wild Hunt”. In Erik Mona ed. Dragon #342 (Paizo Publishing, LLC), p. 89.
  5. 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 5.5 Julia Martin, Eric L. Boyd (March 1996). Faiths & Avatars. (TSR, Inc.), p. 105. ISBN 978-0786903849.
  6. Elaine Cunningham (1999). Evermeet: Island of Elves. (Wizards of the Coast), chap. 2. ISBN 0-7869-1354-1.
  7. 7.0 7.1 7.2 Eric L. Boyd (September 1997). Powers & Pantheons. Edited by Julia Martin. (TSR, Inc.), pp. 2, 94. ISBN 978-0786906574.

Connections[]

Celtic powers who have influenced the Forgotten Realms
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