The Horned God is a male figure in neo-paganism, often seen as the counterpart to the Goddess. He is a combination of various horned figures from mythology and is associated with masculinity, the forest, and hunting. Some link him to Satan, but his origins are debated.
The Horned God is an important figure in the neo-pagan pantheon. He is seen as the male counterpart of the Goddess, representing masculinity and the masculine essence, and is often portrayed as the partner or consort of the Goddess. Beliefs about the Horned God vary widely, with some historians suggesting that he is essentially an artificial construct created during the rise of Neopaganism to satisfy a desire for a unified and easily understood mythology.
Numerous cultures integrate horned figures into their mythology, including Cernunnos, Herne the Hunter, Pan, and many others. In the 19th century, as neo-pagan mysticism started to become very popular, several prominent authors combined stories about various horned figures in mythology to create a Horned God, also sometimes referred to as the Green Man. Many of these writings continue to be invoked today, despite the fact that they are obviously concoctions of mythology that are not well researched or even rooted in history.
According to 19th-century neopagans, the Horned God was a universal figure in pagan mythology, and was driven underground by the rise of Christianity. Some writers have even linked the Horned God to Satan, arguing that Satan was not, in fact, evil, but rather that he was a powerful nature spirit who suffered when Christian empires repressed pagan religions. 19th-century depictions of the horned god often look suspiciously like Christian paintings of Satan, including horns and cloven hooves.
In most neo-pagan circles, the Horned God is connected with masculine tendencies, including virility. Furthermore, he is often associated with the forest and wild animals, and in many cases is also related to hunting. This rings true with many historical depictions of horned nature spirits and mythological figures, who are often depicted hunting and wearing the horns of their prey. Many circles associate it with the fall, holding ceremonies for the Horned God around the autumnal equinox.
Many neopagan-influenced fantasy novels include the Horned God in various guises, and he is also worshiped in many neopagan groups. Some people have rejected the idea of a generic “horned god,” choosing instead to focus on a specific figure in mythology. In some ways, this is more true of the ancient practice of pagan religions, as it draws on figures who actually appear in ancient art, folktales, and writings.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
