| This article is about the younger Herne. You may be looking for his father. |
| “ | Do you imagine I'd go anywhere without you? In the language of trees, our roots are already entwined. Deeply. Inescapably. Don't you recognize this is the truest of storybook love? | „ |
| ~ Herne to Blossom Wolf in Fables #158 — "The Black Forest Chapter Eight: Villainy" |
Herne is a Fable from the world of the Hesse, who is the son of Herne the forest god. He first appears in Fables #154 — "The Black Forest Chapter Four: Trouble." He and his father were both trapped and sealed away in a containment box by the Boxing League centuries ago. Blossom Wolf ultimately liberates them from the confines of the box, leading to a romantic relationship between the younger Herne and Blossom that lasts for five years. Unfortunately, their love story comes to a tragic end when Tinker Bell, acting on Peter Pan's orders, murders Herne.
Biography
Boxed up
Herne and his father, Herne the forest god, used to live in the Hesse, where the elder Herne was the God-Protector of the Black Forest.[3] Eventually, they were both trapped and sealed away in a containment box by the Boxing League, who were working for the Empire. The Boxing League's leader, Dunster Happ, states that he spent seven years in the Hesse, where he and his fellow Boxers boxed the last of the "baleful Hernes."[4] While the elder Herne spends captivity in spirit form, needing no legroom, his son has no such luck and must endure it in a physical body.[1]
Unboxing
After a thousand years or more,[1] Blossom Wolf is encouraged by her father Bigby to go on her own adventure. As the girl explores the Black Forest, she comes across a set of mysterious boxes.[5] She believes that the boxes are treasure chests, and tries to open one of them, to no avail. Suddenly, she hears the voice of the younger Herne, encouraging her to break the lock open.[6]
Herne emerges from the box
After some nudging from the voice, Blossom transforms into a large gorilla and forcefully opens the box where the voice is coming from. With a resounding boom, the elder Herne emerges from the box in spirit form. The younger Herne tells her that she has set his father free, and that he is sure that his father will thank her when he recalls his courtesies. Young Herne starts to emerge from the box, however, Blossom, who has transformed back into a human, objects, stating that she is naked. Nevertheless, Herne says that this matter is currently irrelevant to him, as he has been trapped inside a confined space for ages and yearns for freedom. Blossom ingeniously circumvents the issue by transforming into a wolf.[1]
Herne successfully scrambles out and expresses his gratitude for Blossom's willingness to follow his lead. He had to use all the power he had saved up to call out to her and guide her through the steps of freeing them. If she had hesitated for even a moment longer, he believed they would still be stuck. He introduces himself as Herne, son of Herne, and says that he is at her service, until his and his father's debt has been paid.[1]
Finding love
Herne and Blossom hunt
Herne and Blossom enter into a romantic relationship, and he creates a dress for her made from flowers and leaves. Although she expresses gratitude for the thoughtful gift, she also remarks that it may not withstand much wear and tear due to its delicate nature. Herne promises to create something more solid for her before they engage in any "fun" activities, like hunting. He mentions that it's been a long time since he last went hunting, and he feels nostalgic for this pastime. He then proceeds to formally introduce Blossom to his father.[7]
A few days later, the two of them are at the Wolf family's camp together, where Blossom introduces Herne to Sam, a friend of the Wolf family. Blossom's sister Winter has gone missing, and Herne states that his father has told every tree in the forest to look for her.[7]
Five years later, Herne and Blossom are chasing after a deer in the forest. Herne wields his bow and arrow, teasing Blossom not to cheat by transforming into a wolf like she has done before. Blossom playfully argues that hunting as a wolf isn't cheating, as it's her natural form. She confidently asserts that she will still beat him at the game, regardless of what form she takes on. Much to her surprise, Herne wins the contest, the pair make their way back to the Wolf family's abode, with Herne proudly carrying the dead deer on his shoulders. Later on, Herne is spotted playing ball with Blossom's siblings.[8]
Afterward, Blossom and her siblings shift into their wolf forms to engage in a game of "wolf chase," while Herne keeps Blossom's mother Snow White company outside the home, assisting her with chopping vegetables for dinner. Snow asks why Herne didn't come with them, and he answers that Blossom politely informed him that this activity was exclusive to wolves. Snow isn't surprised by this, as the pack operates like a secret society in many aspects.[9]
Death
Herne sharing his dreams with Blossom
Later, Herne and Blossom stroll leisurely through the woodland, their arms wrapped around each other as he shares his plans to discover a secluded hunting paradise; a world vast and untouched, in need of its own Lord Protector, just like Herne's father in the Black Forest, and brimming with all kinds of creatures. He declares that as soon as he gains his full power, he will embark on the search. Blossom approves of his idea and is overjoyed when he reveals his plan to bring her along, so they can embark on their journey together. She mentions that he will need to speak with her father before moving forward, and although Hesse agrees, he admits that the very thought fills him with dread.[2]
In that moment, he is overwhelmed with a sharp pain in his head and lets out a cry of agony. Blossom, thinking he is joking, calmly tells him to stop being silly, but Herne insists that he is not pretending. Without warning, he starts to disintegrate, and Blossom is helpless as she watches his body break apart into a swarm of grasshoppers, ultimately leading to his death. Tinker Bell makes her presence known and confesses to being the one responsible for his death, following orders from Peter Pan himself. Her master had commanded her to eliminate the entire Wolf family, including anyone of importance to them. Twisting the knife in further, she mentions that if Blossom had not loved Herne so dearly, she would have spared his life.[2]
The elder Herne immediately feels the passing of his son and is consumed by a deep madness brought on by grief. The earth shakes and the forest trembles as he mourns the loss of his only son.[2] The survivors would come to call that night Tremble Night.[10]
Legacy
Eventually, Blossom decides to move out of the Wolf family home and find a place of her own:[11] Yankum, her own private hunting world,[12] which she manages as its caretaker.[13] It is the fulfillment of the dream she and Herne once shared,[2] in a world that she knows Herne would have loved.[11]
Physical appearance
Herne has a striking appearance, resembling a human-deer hybrid, with dark skin, dark grey eyes,[1] and short wavy black hair.[3] A pair of short, branched antlers protruding from his forehead add to his distinct features. He typically dresses only in a loincloth, a testament to his naturalistic leanings,[1][3][7][2] although there is one instance of him wearing regular clothing.[9]
Appearances
Fables
- Fables #86 (first mentioned)
- Fables #154 (first appearance; voice only)
- Fables #155
- Fables #156
- Fables #157
- Fables #158
- Fables #159
- Fables #160 (mentioned)
- Fables #161 (mentioned)
- Fables #162 (mentioned)
Original source
Herne and his father are both based on Herne the Hunter from English folklore. He is a phantom hunter that haunts the area of Windsor Great Park. According to legend, Herne is known to ride through the night, especially when storms are present. He is depicted with horns, and is known to rattle chains, and blast trees and cattle. He sometimes reveals himself to mortals. Although Herne may have been a real protector of the forest, he is likely a local embodiment of the Wild Huntsman myth known in many parts of the world.[14]
References