Feb 13, 2019 · In many Celtic-based traditions of neopaganism, there is the enduring legend of the battle between the Oak King and the Holly King. These two mighty rulers fight for supremacy as the Wheel of the Year turns each season.

The Holly King and Oak King are personifications of the winter and summer in various neopagan traditions. The two kings engage in endless "battle" reflecting the seasonal cycles of the year: not only solar light and dark, but also crop renewal and growth.

Dec 17, 2021 · During the fight at Yule, Holly King surrenders his life to the young light Oak King, God of the Waxing Year, who cuts off his brother's head and ascends the throne for the next six months until mid-season. The two figures are usually portrayed in two different ways.

Yule is a winter festival historically observed by the Germanic peoples that was incorporated into Christmas during the Christianisation of the Germanic peoples. In present times adherents of some new religious movements (such as Modern Germanic paganism) celebrate Yule independently of the Christian festival.

Dec 10, 2020 · In neopagan traditions, Yule (also known as Jól) is when the god, who sacrificed himself at Samhain, has journeyed through the underworld and, in the embrace of the goddess, becomes the child of light.

Dec 9, 2022 · The battle ended with the Holly King striking a mortal blow to the Oak King, with the lord of light and warmth falling in blood. Instantly, the Holly King regretted slaying his brother, and the Lady took the body away.

Dec 16, 2024 · The Holly King and Yule (Winter Solstice) Yule is a winter solstice celebration that typically takes place around December 21st in the Northern Hemisphere. During Yule, the Holly King is recognized as a symbol of the waning sun and the triumph of darkness over light.

Dec 12, 2024 · Yule, celebrated around the Winter Solstice—typically December 20th to 23rd in the northern hemisphere (June 20th to 23rd in the southern hemisphere)—is one of the most sacred Pagan and Wiccan holidays. Yule marks the rebirth of the Sun and the return of light after the longest night of the year.

Jun 25, 2019 · In some traditions of Wicca and Paganism, the Yule celebration comes from the Celtic legend of the battle between the young Oak King and the Holly King. The Oak King, representing the light of the new year, tries each year to usurp the old Holly King, who is the symbol of darkness.

Dec 7, 2021 · The Winter Solstice approaches and we are getting ready to celebrate Yule. It’s a good opportunity to retell the legend of the Oak King and the Holly King, personifications of winter and summer in various traditions. This is how the story goes: Long ago, our land was ruled by two Kings, who were brothers.