Wotan's greetings

Wotan's greetings... Christmas Eve 2009


Dec 24th is a great day for the Heythrop Hunt who by long tradition meet near the Fosseway...an ancient Roman Road running North South through the Cotswolds.

Our farm lies nearby and this morning I walked across to see how the winter wheat was doing and to ensure all was well for our horsey guests.

I cut across the Swillies Ground and along the side of Furze Wood. Whilst descending the bank alongside I was startled to see a clump of spears about twenty yards away.

Mystified I stopped, which was just as well for another spear flew out of the wood followed by a deep and gutteral oath.

I soon established the source of both. A huge giant man emerged from the trees. Clad in a mail tunic and wearing a helmet with twin horns he greeted me with a roar.

Somewhat startled I replied with a cheery "good day sir..great weather for the meet don't you think?"

Ignoring this he replied "I am Wotan...have you seen Loge?"

"no Sir" I continued cautiously "do you live here"

"this forest is my temporary Valhalla" he leant backwards to hurl another spear across the valley...a great spot for practice...I nearly caught a dog just now"

"I don't think the Hunt would care for that"

"Who cares for hunting I seek Loge"

"I'm afraid I can't help you".

I thought who on earth is this devil in my wood hurling spears a hundred feet into my nice young plantation.

Anticipating my silent question Wotan utttered " I am king of the Gods from Valhalla and I am looking for Loge to help me..and I also need a Woman"

"Well you won't find one here" I said (thinking and certainly not your size).

"I've got a gig up here in the Spring...at a place called Longborough..is it anywhere near here? I thought I'd call round and meet the conductor and orchestra, check out the pit; you know the form"

Just then thinking I must be mad about 30 huntsmen cantered by..equally bemused and startled by the curious sight of me and Wotan chatting on the bank.

To be continued.

Loris