Oak King and Holly King

[Gede]

MM~
We all know of the dual brothers, dark and light, opposites and yet intrinsically a part of each other, yet there isn't all that much information around on them. There is the basic mythology they represent, a bit of their history and a scarcity of correspondences, but other than that. I am interested in learning more about these figures, about their significance in the transitional energy patterns of the Wheel of the Year etc. I have made contact with the Oak King once before in Ritual and it was one of the most powerful and Magickal experiences I have ever had, but still I would like to know more about them both. Any help would be great! Thanks in advance~

Namaste, Gede...

[Mòrag Elasaid Ní Dhòmhnaill]

Best source of info for them is The White Goddess by Robert Graves. It is where the myth originated in the actual form of The Oak King vs the Holly King. Ritual battles of a similar type did however exist prior and were likely the inspiration for this myth. Good examples of ritual battles similar to the Oak and Holly King for research are Gawain and the Green Knight or the Countess of the Fountain.