The Oak King and the Holly King

An ode to the autumnal equinox and and the lengthening of shadows

Created by author with Midjourney

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They say that the Oak King and the Holly King are at war - an endless war, and one which the Holly King, as of today, is beginning to win.

The Oak King, like his namesake, is strong and majestic. He stands in the sunshine with arms akimbo and feet planted firmly, his broad shoulders thrown back with pride. Opposite, stands the Holly King, much smaller than his foe, obscured by a thick cloak. He is a sorcerer of shadows.

And the shadows are lengthening.

Yesterday, they were perfectly matched, the shadows driving against the sunshine, the sunshine blazing defiantly into the gloom, neither giving ground. Then, for the first time in seven moons, the light gave way.

Now, each day, the Oak King grows weaker as the light fades. And the power of the Holly King grows.

Shadows stretch over fallen leaves and a chill creeps into the air. The spells of the Holly King grow stronger. But he does not vanquish his adversary - for what would be the joy in endless night? Instead, he entices him to bed.

They say the two kings are at war, but to my eye it is a seduction. For is your lover not best held close in the chilly darkness?

They are more like roguish lovers than foes - one bold and brassy and wild, the other coy and subtle, slowly drawing the blankets over their heads. It is the Subtle Lover’s time - time to move purposefully. To quiet. To embrace the shadows. But it is not to last.

When his power is greatest, and the black of the night most profound, his lover will begin to stir. His light will glow again, weakly at first, growing stronger every day. The Bold Lover will begin to tug the Subtle from their dusky bed.

Then, once more they will face each other, light and dark in perfect balance.

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More about the Oak King and the Holly King can be found on Wikipedia or (my favorite) in the tale of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight.

Thanks for reading (or listening)! As always, I love hearing from you. Had you heard of the Oak and Holly Kings before? How does the autumnal equinox feel for you? Are you looking forward to cooler days and longer nights, or already missing the warmth of summer?

💛 Maia