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There are a number of related British folk figures as well: PuckPuck is a mischievous pre-Christian nature spirit, a " woodwose" in the archetype of the Horned God. The pagan trickster was reimagined in Old English puca cf. Old Norse puki Christianized as "devil") as a kind of half-tamed woodland sprite, leading folk, Robin GoodfellowRobin Goodfellow in English folklore is a euphemistic personification of a half-tamed, troublesome elf or hob-goblin, a prankster who is the domesticated aspect of Puck cf. There is a reference to him in Shakespeare's Midsummer Night’s Dream, ii. Either I, and the Green ManThe Green Man is a symbol of uncertain origin common in the British Isles. Classic examples are most frequently found among the stonework in and on churches, though it is more likely pagan in nature. It depicts a man with foliage for hair, usually with ei.
In each culture, the Horned God is associated with woodsWoods may refer to: woodland or forest types of wood a category of golf clubs Various notable people have the surname Woods Don Woods, computer programmer George David Woods, USA banker and World Bank President George Lemuel Woods, USA Oregon State and Ut, wild animals, and huntingThis article is about the hunting of prey by human society. For other uses of the word "hunting" see Hunting (disambiguation). For other meanings of the word "hunter" (which redirects here), see Hunter (disambiguation). Hunting is, in its most general sen. He is often also associated with sexuality or male virility . As a symbol of sexuality, the Horned God represents one of the most elemental forces in Nature, and is therefore complementary to female fertility deities known collectively as the Great MotherA goddess a female deity, contrasts with male deities, known as " gods". A great many cultures have their own goddesses, sometimes alone, but more often as part of a larger pantheon that includes both of the conventional genders and in some cases even her.
Another name for the Horned God is The Hunter. The Great God is a symbol not only of the giving of life, but the taking of life too, in what is seen as a great and eternal cycle of birth, death, and rebirth. He sometimes carries a bow.
The Horned God is always portrayed with horns, which are of course his distinguishing feature. The God's horns are considered symbols of male potency, strength and protection. Sometimes they are seen in a sense as phallic symbols. The horn has been a religious symbol for thousands of years. An altar made entirely of stag horns was built in the temple of Apollo at Delos, and temples to the Goddess Diana usually contained horns as well. The horn is also seen as a symbol of fruitfulness and bounty, as in the Horn of Plenty.
He is often portrayed with an erect phallus. The phallus is itself a symbol of the power to create life. Another symbol of his sexual prowess and virility is the occasional presence of cloven hoofs or the hindquarters of a goat. The goat itself is considered a symbol of sexuality.