**Archfey | Master of the Wild Hunt** **Alignment**: Neutral **Also Known As**: Cerunnos, The Horned Lord, Master of the Hunt, The Thrice-Cursed Hunter **Affiliation**: The Gloaming Fey, Court of Stars **Domain**: The Wild Hunt, Feywild and the Lands Between Worlds --- ### **Overview** Cernunnos, the Horned Lord, is a powerful archfey and the legendary master of the Wild Hunt, a supernatural procession of hunters, beasts, and other creatures that travels between the mortal world and the realms of the fey. Renowned for his extraordinary skill as a hunter, his fierce independence, and his unpredictable nature, he embodies both the vitality and violence of the wilderness. His existence is closely associated with the pursuit of prey, the preservation of natural balance, and the untamed forces that govern the lives of beasts and mortals alike. Among the fey, Cernunnos is remembered as a formidable hunter whose abilities once earned him a place of honour within the Green Court. His reputation was established long before he became the master of the Wild Hunt, when he served Oran, the Green Lord, and displayed an exceptional understanding of animals and the wilderness. In those days, he was known for treating the creatures he hunted with respect and taking no more from the natural world than he required. His circumstances changed following a series of encounters with the rulers of the fey courts. Cernunnos incurred three powerful curses that deprived him of his former position, condemned him to wander without a permanent home, and bound him to an existence dominated by the hunt. His exile transformed him from a celebrated hunter into one of the most feared figures associated with the Feywild. Cernunnos appears as a tall, powerfully built firbolg with enormous stag-like antlers and blazing eyes. His features are frequently concealed beneath the shadows of a hunting helmet, while his body bears blue markings made with woad. He wears a hide kilt and a cloak of wolfskin, carrying a formidable black spear and an enchanted hunting horn. A torc encircles his neck, recalling his former place among the nobility of the fey. His presence is accompanied by an unmistakable sense of predatory danger. Although capable of restraint and compassion, he is also subject to violent impulses that can overwhelm his judgment. The curses imposed upon him have intensified these tendencies, making the pursuit of prey an obsession from which he has struggled to free himself. Older traditions identify Cernunnos as a divine manifestation of nature itself, a neutral power responsible for preserving the balance of the natural world. In these accounts, he is neither inherently benevolent nor malicious, but responds to the needs of nature with the same indifference displayed by storms, predators, and the changing seasons. These traditions differ from the accounts of his life among the fey courts, although both recognise his close association with the wilderness and the Wild Hunt. --- ### **Domain and Influence** Cernunnos is closely associated with the Wild Hunt, a supernatural gathering that moves between the Feywild, the mortal world, and the Shadowfell. Unlike many archfey, he possesses no permanently established domain or palace from which he governs his followers. Instead, he travels with his hunters through the spaces between worlds, appearing in different realms when circumstances allow. The Wild Hunt is a formidable procession composed of fey hunters, supernatural hounds, centaurs, firbolgs, and other creatures drawn to the pursuit of dangerous prey. Certain undead have also become bound to the Hunt, either through the power of Cernunnos or through other supernatural obligations. Its membership changes over time, but the Horned Lord remains its principal leader. The Hunt frequently appears during autumn and winter, particularly beneath dark or storm-filled skies. Its arrival may be preceded by the distant sound of hunting horns, the howling of supernatural hounds, and the thunder of approaching riders. Those who witness its passage may suffer terrible nightmares, confusion, or the loss of memories. Although the Hunt is often associated with the pursuit of evildoers, its choice of prey is not governed exclusively by moral judgment. Cernunnos may pursue powerful beasts, dangerous monsters, or mortals who attract his attention. His cursed nature has made the pursuit itself an overwhelming concern, and the strength or elusiveness of a potential quarry can be sufficient to provoke his interest. The Maiden of the Moon, a powerful member of the Gloaming Fey, sometimes calls upon the Wild Hunt to pursue those who have committed great evil. Her particular enemies include wicked lycanthropes, against whom the hunters may be directed when the crimson hunter's moon rises. The firbolgs hold Cernunnos in particular regard. Some emulate his supernatural procession by conducting Wild Hunts of their own, during which warriors compete to demonstrate their skill and courage. These gatherings can temporarily suspend rivalries between firbolg clans, although disputes may resume if the hunt proves unsuccessful. Cernunnos also maintains connections with the Gloaming Fey, whose association with darkness, mystery, and the more dangerous aspects of the Feywild reflects his circumstances following his exile. Certain members of this court accompany the Wild Hunt, particularly when its objectives align with their own interests. In older accounts, his influence is described more broadly. There he is identified with the fundamental balance of nature and possesses the ability to summon creatures of the wilderness to his assistance. His concern extends beyond hunting to the preservation of natural processes, although he is equally capable of destruction when circumstances demand it. Despite these differing traditions, Cernunnos remains most closely identified with the hunt itself. His authority derives from his exceptional skill, supernatural power, and command over the creatures that follow him between worlds. --- ### **Symbols and Icons** The principal symbol of Cernunnos in older divine traditions is a pair of stag antlers enclosed within a circle. The emblem reflects his association with the wilderness and the natural forces represented by the antlered stag. Among those who recognise him as the Master of the Hunt, antlered crowns and black skull masks are also prominent. These are particularly associated with hunters who honour him through seasonal rites and organised pursuits. Three possessions are especially important to his identity: his black spear, his torc, and the Horn of the Undying Hunt. The **black spear** represents his exceptional ability as a hunter and serves as his principal weapon. The **torc** recalls his former standing among the nobility of the fey and is believed to grant authority over ordinary beasts. The **Horn of the Undying Hunt** embodies his command over the supernatural procession, its call capable of reaching hunters across extraordinary distances. These objects are more than ceremonial representations. They possess magical properties directly connected to the Horned Lord, and their theft can provoke his relentless pursuit. No established religious emblem consisting of a stag's skull entwined with ivy, paired serpents, or a crescent moon and spear is specifically attributed to Cernunnos in the principal accounts of his worship. --- ### **Worship and Tributes** The worship of Cernunnos is associated with hunting, the wilderness, martial prowess, and respect for the natural world. His followers include druids, rangers, hunters, and other individuals whose lives depend upon their understanding of wild creatures and the environments they inhabit. The precise character of his worship varies considerably. Older traditions emphasise the preservation of natural balance, while those devoted specifically to the Master of the Hunt place greater importance upon the pursuit of prey and the demonstration of hunting skill. In the traditions of the Horned Lord, hunting is not necessarily limited to the acquisition of food. It can serve as a test of courage, endurance, and personal ability. Dangerous creatures are especially valued as quarry, for their pursuit provides an opportunity to demonstrate exceptional skill. Some organised religious groups conduct ceremonial hunts during the nights preceding the equinoxes and solstices. Participants dress in dark leather armour and wear black skull masks crowned with antlers in imitation of their patron. These hunts continue from dusk until dawn, with participants following the quarry identified by their hounds. The rites reflect the relentless character of the supernatural Wild Hunt, whose members are expected to pursue their prey without hesitation. The religious traditions surrounding the Master of the Hunt can be exceptionally severe. Those seeking admission to certain orders must undergo an initiation in which they become the quarry of experienced hunters. The candidate is given a brief opportunity to flee before dusk and must evade the pursuing hunters and their hounds until dawn. Those who survive are accepted into the order. Those who are caught may be killed by their pursuers, demonstrating the dangerous nature of these religious practices. Not all followers of Cernunnos embrace such extreme traditions. Earlier accounts of the Horned God describe a more neutral understanding of the wilderness, in which hunting and the protection of natural balance are recognised as different expressions of the same power. His worship is therefore not uniformly associated with mercy, cruelty, or restraint. It reflects the particular traditions of those who honour him and the aspect of the hunt they consider most important. --- ### **Clergy and Temples** The followers of Cernunnos have traditionally included druids, rangers, hunters, and other inhabitants of wilderness regions. In accounts describing him as the Master of the Hunt, his clergy maintain places of worship deep within forests. These temples resemble large hunting lodges rather than conventional religious sanctuaries, their interiors decorated with antlers, trophies, and the remains of beasts taken during organised hunts. The lodges serve as gathering places for those who honour the Horned Lord. Their locations along wilderness routes make them useful stopping points for travellers, particularly hunters and rangers familiar with the surrounding terrain. Some traditions describe temples established approximately a day's journey apart, allowing worshippers to travel between them during extended hunting expeditions. The religious practices of these communities emphasise tracking, survival, and the ability to endure pursuit. Clerics are expected to understand not only how to hunt but also how their prey may attempt to escape. This knowledge is considered essential because members of the faith may themselves become quarry during initiation ceremonies or other religious trials. The clergy of the Master of the Hunt are not uniformly peaceful guardians of the wilderness. Some sects devote themselves to eliminating particular creatures or peoples they regard as enemies, conducting large hunting expeditions intended to drive their chosen quarry from a region. Among the fey themselves, Cernunnos possesses followers who are bound to the Wild Hunt rather than to permanent religious institutions. Firbolgs, centaurs, supernatural hounds, and certain undead accompany his procession, while some warlocks enter into pacts with him. These warlocks may seek vengeance against an elusive enemy or attempt to secure the release of someone taken by the Hunt. Such arrangements are dangerous, for mortals who become bound to the procession may find themselves unable to leave it. --- ### **Powers and Abilities** Cernunnos possesses formidable supernatural abilities associated with hunting, combat, pursuit, and the command of wild creatures. His physical strength, speed, and endurance are extraordinary, while his supernatural senses allow him to identify and pursue prey that would escape ordinary hunters. **The Black Spear** Cernunnos carries a powerful black spear that serves as both his principal weapon and a manifestation of his authority over the Hunt. He is capable of employing the spear in close combat or throwing it at distant enemies. Its attacks can release supernatural lightning and transport struck creatures to another location, disrupting their movements and allowing him to maintain control of the pursuit. When thrown, the spear returns to his hand through supernatural means. **The Horn of the Undying Hunt** The Horn of the Undying Hunt is among the most important possessions of Cernunnos. Its call reaches across extraordinary distances, allowing the Horned Lord to summon and direct those who ride in his supernatural procession. When sounded, the horn can inspire his allies to move and attack immediately, coordinating the movements of the Hunt during battle. Legends maintain that the horn can also be employed by another creature possessing knowledge of the proper ritual. Such an individual may be capable of summoning and even directing the Wild Hunt, although Cernunnos does not willingly accept such control. **The Hunter's Torc** Cernunnos wears a torc that represents his former position among the nobility of the fey. The ornament is believed to grant its wearer dominion over ordinary beasts, reflecting the Horned Lord's longstanding connection to animals and the wilderness. Together with his spear and hunting horn, the torc forms one of the three principal objects associated with his supernatural authority. **Baleful Moonfire** Cernunnos can direct supernatural moonfire against a chosen enemy, marking the creature and impairing its ability to conceal itself. Those affected become vulnerable to further attacks and cannot rely upon invisibility or other concealment to escape his attention. This ability reflects his exceptional skill in pursuing prey that attempts to disappear from sight. **Supernatural Terror** Cernunnos possesses a fearsome supernatural presence that can overwhelm enemies who confront him. Those who attack the Horned Lord may experience sudden terror and psychic injury, leaving them physically vulnerable to further assaults. His predatory aura is especially powerful during the Wild Hunt, when his violent impulses and supernatural abilities are directed entirely toward the pursuit of quarry. **Relentless Pursuit** The Horned Lord possesses exceptional resistance to effects that would restrain, immobilise, or hinder his movement. His speed and ability to traverse difficult wilderness terrain make escape from him exceptionally difficult. He can recover from injuries through supernatural regeneration, although certain forms of destructive magic can temporarily suppress this ability. **The Power of Nature** Older divine traditions attribute broader powers to Cernunnos, identifying him as a manifestation of nature itself. In these accounts, he can summon creatures native to the surrounding wilderness, including magical beasts, to assist him. His authority extends over animals within several miles of his location, although the creatures must already inhabit the surrounding region. He also possesses extensive druidic magic and the ability to assume a new physical manifestation after the destruction of his existing form. These older descriptions emphasise his divine association with the natural world, while the accounts of the Horned Lord place greater importance upon his combat abilities, supernatural possessions, and leadership of the Wild Hunt. --- ### **Treatment of the Chosen and Faithful** Cernunnos respects exceptional hunting ability, courage, endurance, and the willingness to confront dangerous prey. His followers are not guaranteed protection merely because they acknowledge his authority. Those who seek his favour through the hunt must demonstrate their worth through action, and the rites associated with his worship can place participants in considerable danger. Some religious orders require initiates to survive pursuit by established members of the faith. Those unable to escape are denied admission and may lose their lives during the trial. Among the firbolgs, participation in ceremonial Wild Hunts provides an opportunity to establish reputation and authority. The individual who leads such a hunt may temporarily claim the title of Master of the Wild Hunt, although this distinction does not confer the full supernatural authority of Cernunnos himself. Warlocks who enter into pacts with the Horned Lord may gain his attention through their willingness to participate in the Hunt or through a desire for vengeance. Such relationships can be dangerous. Some individuals who bind themselves to Cernunnos eventually become permanent members of his supernatural procession, riding alongside the hunters for the remainder of their existence. Others seek his assistance in recovering loved ones taken by the Hunt. Their success depends upon the terms of their agreements and the willingness of Cernunnos to permit a captive's release. His treatment of companions is influenced by his conflicting nature. Although capable of fierce violence, he has also demonstrated compassion and loyalty, particularly when confronted with the suffering of those he considers family. The most notable example concerns his refusal to surrender his adopted sisters to the Prince of Frost, despite having previously agreed to capture them. The precise supernatural blessings bestowed upon individual followers are not comprehensively established. His recognised powers and religious traditions provide evidence of his influence, but no universal system of blessings, curses, or ranks for chosen servants is recorded. --- ### **Myths and Legends** **The Child of the Witch of Fates** The origins of Cernunnos remain mysterious, although the traditions of the fey courts preserve an account of his arrival in the Green Court. According to this account, the Witch of Fates appeared before Oran, the Green Lord, carrying a young firbolg child. She presented the child to Oran and foretold that he would become the greatest hunter of the Green Court. Her prophecy also warned that the child's destiny would change upon seeing his fate reflected within the Lake of Dreams, after which darkness would follow him. Oran accepted the child and named him Cernunnos, raising him among the inhabitants of the Green Court. As he grew, Cernunnos demonstrated exceptional skill in hunting and tracking. He became renowned for his ability to follow prey through difficult terrain and for his understanding of the creatures that inhabited the wilderness. Although Oran favoured him, his adopted sisters resented his position within the household and frequently mocked him for his uncertain parentage. Despite their treatment, Cernunnos remained devoted to his adopted father and sought to fulfil the expectations placed upon him. He also obeyed Oran's prohibition against approaching the Lake of Dreams, avoiding the place associated with the prophecy of his eventual downfall. **The Silver Hind and the First Curse** Each year, Oran organised a hunt for the Silver Hind, an extraordinary creature believed to be impossible to capture or kill. Cernunnos became the first hunter known to strike the hind with an arrow. Determined to present the creature to his adopted father, he followed its trail deep into the wilderness. The pursuit eventually brought him to a cliff overlooking the Lake of Dreams. Cernunnos succeeded in capturing the wounded hind and prepared to deliver the killing blow. However, something within the creature's eyes caused him to hesitate. The hind escaped his grasp, throwing him from the cliff and into the waters below. What Cernunnos witnessed within the Lake of Dreams remains unknown. Some believe he saw the truth of his parentage, while others suggest he glimpsed his future or gained knowledge concerning the fundamental nature of the hunt. Whatever the vision revealed, it profoundly changed him. When he returned to the Green Court, Oran recognised that something had happened to his adopted son. Overcome by an inexplicable fury, the Green Lord banished Cernunnos and cursed him to wander without a permanent home. This became the first of the three curses that would determine his fate. **The Prince of Frost and the Second Curse** Following his exile, Cernunnos became determined to find the Silver Hind once more, believing that its capture might allow him to regain his place within the Green Court. His search brought him to the realm of the Prince of Frost, ruler of the Winter Court. The Prince offered to reveal the secret of the Silver Hind and grant Cernunnos a place among the Winter Fey, but demanded a terrible service in return. Cernunnos was instructed to capture the daughters of Oran and deliver them to the Fortress of Frozen Tears, where they would be imprisoned within the Vale of the Long Night. Despite his resentment toward his adopted sisters, Cernunnos eventually found himself unable to condemn them to such a fate. When he captured them, their expressions reminded him of the Silver Hind at the moment he had hesitated to strike it. Recognising the cruelty of the punishment that awaited them, he turned against the hunters of the Winter Court and fought to secure his sisters' freedom. The Prince of Frost was enraged by this betrayal. He banished Cernunnos from the Winter Court and imposed a second curse, ensuring that the object of his pursuit would always remain beyond his grasp. The curse transformed his greatest talent into a source of continual frustration, condemning the master hunter to pursue what he could never truly possess. **The Summer Queen and the Third Curse** Cernunnos continued his search for the Silver Hind, eventually travelling to Senaliesse, the realm of Tiandra, the Summer Queen. Tiandra agreed to reveal the creature, but demanded that Cernunnos judge whether she or the hind possessed greater beauty. Cernunnos accepted the challenge and remained within the Summer Court while preparations were made. During his stay, Tiandra became enamoured of the hunter and considered appointing him a knight of her court and taking him as her consort. Cernunnos also found comfort within her realm and agreed to restrain himself from attacking the Silver Hind until the promised judgment could be made. When the hind finally arrived, it revealed its true form. The creature was the Maiden of the Moon, a powerful archfey of the Gloaming Fey, who appeared as an eladrin maiden bearing a silver sword and a bow of white wood. Cernunnos was immediately captivated by her and declared that she surpassed Tiandra in beauty. The Summer Queen reacted with fury. She banished the Maiden of the Moon from her court and placed a third curse upon Cernunnos, condemning him to labour in darkness as a bloodthirsty hunter. She also caused great antlers to grow from his head, transforming his appearance in recognition of his devotion to the Silver Hind. With this final curse, Cernunnos lost his remaining place among the established fey courts. **The Birth of the Wild Hunt** Having incurred the displeasure of the Green, Winter, and Summer Courts, Cernunnos withdrew into the shadows of the Gloaming. He was accompanied by those who remained loyal to him, but his exile and curses gradually altered his nature. His desire to hunt grew increasingly powerful, while his ability to exercise restraint diminished. The pursuit of prey became an overwhelming concern, driving him into acts of violence that would once have been inconsistent with his respect for the wilderness. Over time, other hunters gathered around him, drawn by his power and the supernatural forces associated with his curse. The resulting procession became known as the Wild Hunt. Its members wandered between the worlds of mortals and fey, pursuing prey across forests, mountains, and other regions. The Hunt acquired a fearsome reputation, and its appearance became associated with misfortune, warfare, and death. The Gloaming became a refuge for Cernunnos, but also a form of imprisonment. Although free to travel between worlds, he remained bound by the curses imposed upon him. **The Maiden of the Moon** The relationship between Cernunnos and the Maiden of the Moon remains one of the most important influences upon his activities. He continues to love the mysterious archfey, despite the suffering brought about by his pursuit of her. The Maiden of the Moon is associated with the hunting of evildoers, particularly wicked lycanthropes. When the crimson hunter's moon rises, she may call upon Cernunnos and his followers to pursue those who have attracted her displeasure. Her influence can therefore direct the Wild Hunt toward creatures whose destruction serves a greater purpose. Nevertheless, the curses placed upon Cernunnos remain an obstacle to their relationship. His increasingly violent nature is distasteful to the Maiden, while the curse of the Prince of Frost prevents him from obtaining the object of his deepest desire. His devotion consequently remains a source of both motivation and suffering. **The Horn of the Undying Hunt** Cernunnos possesses a supernatural hunting horn capable of summoning the Wild Hunt across extraordinary distances. According to surviving traditions, an individual who obtains the horn and learns the proper ritual can summon the procession and exercise a measure of control over its movements. Such control is dangerous, for the Horned Lord does not willingly submit to the commands of another. Even when compelled to obey, he may seek opportunities to undermine the arrangement and secure his freedom from the imposed obligation. The horn is therefore among the most dangerous possessions associated with Cernunnos, particularly when it falls into the hands of those who would employ the Wild Hunt against personal enemies. **The Faerie Raed** Mortals who encounter the Wild Hunt may suffer a supernatural affliction known as the Faerie Raed. Those affected frequently experience nightmares, confusion, and the loss of memories associated with the encounter. Some individuals taken by the Hunt have returned to the mortal world years after their disappearance, showing no evidence of having aged during their absence. Such survivors may possess only fragmented memories of their experiences and can remain troubled by dreams of the supernatural procession. The phenomenon has contributed greatly to the fear surrounding the Wild Hunt, for its victims may never fully understand what occurred while they were in the company of the Horned Lord. **The Search for Freedom** Despite his power, Cernunnos remains dissatisfied with the existence imposed upon him by the three curses. He continues to search for a means of escaping their influence, hoping to recover some measure of the freedom he possessed before his exile. One possibility preserved in the traditions of the Wild Hunt is that another sufficiently worthy individual might eventually assume his mantle. Such a successor could potentially release Cernunnos from his obligations and allow him to abandon the supernatural procession. Whether the curses can be broken entirely remains uncertain, but his desire for freedom continues to influence his actions. --- ### **Encounters with Cernunnos' Influence** Cernunnos is most commonly encountered through the appearance of the Wild Hunt, whose arrival can affect entire regions even when the Horned Lord himself remains unseen. The procession frequently travels beneath the night sky, accompanied by supernatural hounds, mounted hunters, and the distant sound of horns. Its appearance is particularly associated with autumn and winter, although magical summons or other circumstances may cause it to appear at different times. Those who witness the Hunt may suffer the Faerie Raed, losing memories of the encounter or experiencing persistent nightmares. Travellers may also encounter individuals who disappeared during an earlier Hunt and returned years later without having aged. Such individuals often possess incomplete recollections of the places they visited or the creatures with whom they travelled. The Hunt can also pursue mortals who have attracted the attention of the Maiden of the Moon. Particularly wicked lycanthropes may become its quarry, while other individuals can be targeted because they possess objects or knowledge desired by Cernunnos. The theft of one of his principal possessions is especially dangerous. An individual who acquires his spear, torc, or hunting horn may become the object of an extraordinarily determined pursuit. Some warlocks seek Cernunnos as a patron, hoping to obtain vengeance or recover individuals captured by his followers. Such arrangements can entangle mortals in the obligations of the Wild Hunt, and release from these agreements may require intervention by other powerful fey. Those who encounter Cernunnos directly face a formidable hunter whose supernatural abilities make concealment and escape exceptionally difficult. His black spear, magical horn, and ability to identify hidden prey provide considerable advantages, while the members of the Wild Hunt can pursue enemies across extraordinary distances. Nevertheless, Cernunnos is not invariably hostile. His history demonstrates that he remains capable of compassion, particularly when confronted with circumstances resembling those that led him to protect his adopted sisters. His desire to escape the curses imposed upon him may also provide grounds for negotiation, although any attempt to bargain with the Horned Lord must account for his violent disposition and the supernatural obligations that bind him. --- ### **Conclusion** Cernunnos is one of the most formidable hunters associated with the Feywild, commanding the supernatural procession known as the Wild Hunt and exercising considerable influence over the fey and other creatures that accompany it. His history is defined by extraordinary hunting ability, exile from the fey courts, and three powerful curses that transformed his nature and deprived him of a permanent home. Although his earlier life was characterised by respect for animals and the wilderness, his later existence has been dominated by the violent pursuit of prey and the obligations imposed upon him by his curses. The Horned Lord remains capable of both compassion and cruelty, reflecting the contradictory forces that have shaped his long existence. His devotion to the Maiden of the Moon and his continuing search for freedom demonstrate that his ambitions extend beyond the pursuit of prey. Older divine traditions also recognise him as a neutral manifestation of nature, concerned with preserving the balance of the wilderness rather than advancing the interests of any single creature or people. Whether regarded as an ancient nature power or the cursed master of the Wild Hunt, Cernunnos remains closely associated with the freedom, danger, and unpredictability of the untamed world.