E. Cobham Brewer 18101897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
The German tradition is that a spectral hunter with dogs
frequents the Black Forest to chase the wild animals. (Sir
Walter Scott: Wild Huntsman.) The French story of Le Grand
Veneur is laid in Fontainebleau Forest, and is considered to be
St. Hubert. (Father Matthieu.) The English name is Herne the
Hunter, who was once a keeper in Windsor Forest. In winter time,
at midnight, he walks about Hernes Oak, and blasts trees and
cattle. He wears horns, and rattles a chain in a most hideous
manner (Merry Wives of Windsor, iv. 4.) Another legend is that a
certain Jew would not suffer Jesus to drink out of a horse-
trough, but pointed to some water in a hoof print as good enough
for such an enemy of Moses, and that this man is the Wild
Huntsman. (Kuhn von Schwarz: Nordd. Sagen, p. 499.)