The Wild Hunt (Grimm)

The Wild Hunt, as portrayed in the NBC television series Grimm, is a terrifying, annual event occurring on Walpurgisnacht (April 30th). It involves a group of heavily armed, Wesen (creatures in the Grimm universe) riding through the Black Forest in Germany, hunting and capturing a human.

Nature: The Wild Hunt is less a hunt for sustenance and more a ritualistic act of choosing a new leader. The "Captain," or leader of the hunt, is typically weakened or in need of replacement. The captured human is subjected to a brutal trial by combat.

Process: The human selected is pursued relentlessly by the Wild Hunt riders, who are mounted on horseback and armed with various medieval weaponry. They instill terror and fear in their quarry, often leaving a trail of destruction in their wake. Once captured, the human is brought before the existing Captain and forced to fight for their life.

Trial by Combat: The captive human must engage the Captain in a life-or-death duel. If the human wins, they become the new Captain of the Wild Hunt for the next year. If the human loses, they are killed, and the existing Captain retains their position.

Consequences: Becoming Captain of the Wild Hunt is a dangerous proposition. The Captain is expected to maintain order within the Hunt and prepare for the following year's event. It is a position of power but also of constant threat, as any Wesen brave (or foolish) enough can challenge the Captain at any time. The Captain also faces increased scrutiny and potential opposition from the Wesen council.

Significance: The Wild Hunt serves as a reflection of the darker aspects of Wesen society, demonstrating their primal instincts and the ruthless struggle for power that can exist within their world. It is a chaotic and dangerous tradition that poses a significant threat to both humans and Wesen alike.