Exploring the Wild Hunt w/ Morgan Daimler

Rachel Patterson talks with bestselling author, folklorist, translator, and witch Morgan Daimler to explore one of European folklore’s most enduring and mysterious traditions: the Wild Hunt.The Wild Hunt is often talked about but not well understood, and it has been part of European folklore for over a thousand years. Stories of ghostly riders, hounds, gods, spirits, witches, and omens of death have changed across cultures but still hold a strong impact. Morgan uses years of research to clear up myths and look at how the Wild Hunt appears in Norse, Germanic, Welsh, Scottish, and Christian traditions, and why it still fascinates modern Pagans, witches, and folklorists.Rachel and Morgan talk about how the Wild Hunt connects to witchcraft, the roles of deities like Odin, Arawn, Frau Perchta, Diana, and others, and stories from history. They also discuss how modern fantasy, including Dungeons & Dragons, has shaped today’s ideas about folklore. The conversation looks at whether the Wild Hunt still matters in modern Pagan practice and what these old stories can teach us now.In this episode you’ll learn:* What the Wild Hunt actually is and why it’s so difficult to define.* How far back can the folklore be traced, and what are the theories surrounding its origins?* The many different forms the Wild Hunt takes across Europe and beyond.* Who leads the Hunt, from gods and goddesses to legendary figures and folkloric spirits?* Who—or what—the Hunt is believed to pursue.* Historic accounts of people witnessing the Wild Hunt.* The connections between the Wild Hunt, witchcraft, fairies, the restless dead, and seasonal folklore.* How Christianity influenced the evolution of Wild Hunt traditions.* Common misconceptions created by modern fantasy and role-playing games.* How contemporary Pagans and witches engage with the Wild Hunt today—and why Morgan urges caution.If you’re interested in Paganism, witchcraft, mythology, folklore, fairy lore, or the traditions that shaped European spiritual beliefs, this conversation gives a thoughtful and well-researched introduction to one of folklore’s most fascinating mysteries.If you like the Pagan Portal Podcast, please like, subscribe, and leave a comment to share your thoughts. We’d love to hear your experiences, research, or favourite stories about the Wild Hunt.