The Wild Hunt
Our first issue is here!
We are delighted to present you with The Otherworld magazine’s first issue, all about the wild hunt.
We’d like to thank each of our fantastic contributors:
Adrian Smythies, Alison Weber, Ashley Malecha, Brandi Gann, Caitlin Gemmell, Carrie Starbuck, Cecilia Betsill, Charisse ‘Dadis’ Melliza, Charlie Bott, Christa Hamilton, DRC Leary, Eric McCormick, Estelle Tudor, Gabriel Gram, J. M. M. Nuanez, Jennifer McBride, Julianne Tyson, Kath Almond, Laura Flores, Diane Lilly, Lissa Sloan, Lynden Wade, Meadoe Hora, NJ Rider, Sage Moreaux, Samantha Borders-Shoemaker, Sara Cleto, Brittany Warman, Sophie Frey, Spike Deane, Tahnee Beck, Vera Vale, and Wendy Howe.
We’re still a little in awe that each of you shared your work with us! Thank you for making our first issue so spectacular. We’re really proud of this and we hope you are, too.
This 92 page, full color PDF is available for $5. All proceeds from this sale goes back into The Otherworld (for things like hopefully paying our contributors one day). As a little taster, we’re sharing our editor’s letter below. Click here:
Note: if your email address is required to make the purchase, this does not mean you are signing up for an additional newsletter.
Letter from the editor
What is it about the wild hunt that lures us into its path?
We know dangers abound within this strange event, no matter where or when it occurs. The beings who attend it aren’t tiny, harmless creatures who grant wishes without consequences or cost. They are goddesses and gods, terrible hounds, beautiful fairies and hideous goblins. Whether alluring or frightening, young or ancient, these beings are not to be taken for granted. Disrespect them at your peril. If you are unfortunate enough to cross paths with them, you would be forever changed, and maybe not for the better. You might never see the human world again.
But let’s forget about interacting with the wild hunt’s strange and powerful beings for a moment. Let’s consider where they come from. This is a place that people around the world have longed and feared to see maybe more than the wild hunt itself: the otherworld. Whether that place is known as Faerie, Álfheimr, Tír na nÓg, or any other, it’s always there, even when we can’t access it.
This selection of poems, flash fictions, essays, and illustrations offers a varied glimpse into these realms and how they bleed into ours. You might find yourself on the back of Odin’s horse, staring fearfully through a window at night, or peeking just over the hedge of a mundane suburb. You might be in a darkened forest, fleeing for your life. You might find yourself part of the chase.
Maybe that is part of its lure: as terrifying and absurd as the wild hunt is, fear tells us we are alive. And if we are alive in this world, maybe we still have the chance to explore what is just out of reach.
We are pleased to share this first issue of The Otherworld with you. We trust you will find something to delight, frighten, or–if you’re lucky–both. One thing’s for sure: by the time you reach the end, you won’t be the same.
Steph and Jess,
Editors of The Otherworld
P.S. We will share our next newsletter before the winter solstice. In the meantime, a Blessed Mabon and autumn to you (or Ostara and spring), and beware the sound of footfalls in the forest!
I just took a peek at this first issue and am so impressed by how everything flows so seamlessly. It’s truly an issue to be proud of! Congratulations Jess and Steph!
Exciting to be a part of this inaugural edition and to read the rest of the contributions! Congrats!