Secrets of Sherwood Forest. Meta- Review by Herne the Hunter

Meta- Review by

Herne the Hunter

PART ONE

A MYSTERIOUS CHARACTER

HERNE THE HUNTER

The seemingly enigmatic fantasy worlds of the beloved series “Robin of Sherwood” unfold in a variety of forms, each with their own distinct meanings.

Initially, the very different forms of existence, everyday life, and wild lifestyle in the forests, including the heroes of the first season — a band of robbers led by Robin Hood (Herne’s son, Michael Pride) — are perhaps perceived by viewers as a local invention about the main and most sacred character, Herne the Hunter (John Abineri).

Hence, based on the above, the altered state of consciousness of all those who have accepted the new beliefs about the existence of the Lord of the Forest, Herne, gradually alters the reality of all subsequent episodes, not only in the first season but also in the following two.

In short, for a good half of the inhabitants of Sherwood and those peaceful villages, the existing mythological manifestation in people’s minds about Herne the Hunter, over time, begins to become an everyday, accepted worldview, the norm of a new reality.

“Myths affirm the value system accepted in a given society, sanctioning and supporting norms of behavior. The mythological attitude to the world was expressed in certain actions, including rituals, ceremonies, dances, and so on. In modern times, writers have consciously turned to mythology in their work; there is both a reinterpretation of certain mythological traditions and a genuine “mythologizing.”

From “Wikipedia: Mythology.”

The tribal demigod Herne the Hunter, the Master of the Forest, the main character, patron of fertility for his followers, appears in the film with much greater significance than just a deity. And it cannot, based on its overall significance, be classified as a lower mythological figure. The character of Herne the Hunter has a conscious, holistic approach to everything.

Although in the series, Herne represents a demigod in human form who is “possessed by the horned one” — that is, he dons and wears the head of a stag — he represents the most auspicious symbols associated with such associations as the Sun, sunrise, light, rebirth, happiness, and longevity, personifying the Stag. It is Herne from the film “Robin of Sherwood” who fits the symbolic meaning taken from the Celts, where “they considered the Stag the most important animal in the magical herd of the Gods, a mediator between the worlds of the Gods and men. The antlers of the Stag represented the branches of trees.”

“The same Celts considered the White Stag a mystical creature. This animal from the other world came to humanity.” He possessed omniscience and the gift of wisdom, which is connected to the natural cycles of nature.”

“According to Slavic beliefs, the Deer could perform various miracles and speak human language.”

“The White Deer was the favorite and breastplate of the English King Richard II (1377—1399).

The mysterious character Herne, in this case, is also capable of possessing such power that he instantly casts aside all that is superfluous and incompatible with the true phenomena of nature.

The locals, seeing him as a god, try to appease him with gifts, holding rituals and festivals in his honor so that Herne will bless nature with a bountiful harvest, further proving that Herne is empowered to control the elements. It is Herne, the Forest Spirit and Hunter, who is able to instill in people that very feeling of freedom and independence from the existing system of injustice, dedicating his followers — his sons — through a special initiation ritual to fight against this very system.