It is an awe-inspiring and frightening scene, full of uncertainty. In all interpretations, the main focus is on the chaos, the noise, the excitement, and the great fear such a spectacle evokes. Christian influences have added the interpretation of a cleansing of the bad from the good. It is seen by some to be representing the changing of the seasons or the arrival of winter. Interpretations on the symbolism of the horned master riding through the forests, leading a pack of wild dogs and a tree-like figure vary. The Wild Hunt is a common story of mythologies throughout Europe, with similar themes occurring in other culture’s mythologies as well. The story she presents here is ancient, yet new. The text is simple, yet complex creating a rich landscape on which her characters cavort with ease as they explore the world. Yolen also has extreme talent in her ability to use big words, complex ideas, wonderful simile, and deep concepts, and yet present them so children and adults alike will take them in and appreciate them. This book cries out to be read aloud, allowing the reader to savor the taste of each word in their mouth, as the listener delights in the sounds that come forth. You never lose that sense of fantasy, but you still get caught up in the story, wrapped in a gauze of shimmering brightness that takes you to a whole new place.

Each word, each turn of phrase, each paragraph is so carefully chosen, so perfectly crafted, as to carry you on a gentle breeze into a fantasy world you’ve never known. I have always admired Jane Yolen’s writing for her exquisite choice of words. The resulting tapestry is beautiful to behold. Yolen’s use of time and words have woven a masterpiece from the ancient threads of an old tale together with the modern threads of something totally new and different.

Pitting the forces of light and dark against one another is a common theme, but it is rare for those forces to acknowledge the other as essential to their own existence, as done in this delightful tale. Jo Morrison wrote this review for Folk Tales a long time ago.įolk legend merges with Jane Yolen’s creative world to create a work of pure magic in The Wild Hunt, which should be destined to become a classic in the world of children’s literature.

The Wild Hunt by Jane Yolen