via Wikipedia, the Wild Hunt:
The Wild Hunt is an ancient folk myth prevalent across Northern, Western and Central Europe. The fundamental premise in all instances is the same: a phantasmal, spectral group of huntsmen with the accoutrements of hunting, with horses and hounds in mad pursuit across the skies or along the ground, or just above it.
The hunters may be the dead or the fairies (often in folklore connected with the dead). The hunter may be an unidentified lost soul, a deity or spirit of either gender, or may be a historical or legendary figure like Theodoric the Great, the Danish king Valdemar Atterdag, the Welsh psychopomp Gwyn ap Nudd or the Germanic Woden (or other reflections of the same god, such as Alemannic Wuodan in Wuotis Heer (“Wuodan’s Army”) of Central Switzerland, Swabia etc.)
The hunting gear associated with the Wild Hunt is often described in vivid detail, typically showcasing items such as long spears, hunting knives, and intricately designed bows and arrows, all of which symbolize the hunters’ readiness and precision. The spectral nature of the hunt is mirrored by their ethereal accoutrements, which are imbued with otherworldly power. In various legends, the hounds that follow are often described as having collars that jingle with bells, while the hunters themselves are adorned in cloaks of mist or shadow, reflecting their connection to the realm of the dead. These elements paint the hunt as a pursuit beyond the material world, a chase through time and space that transcends mortal understanding.
In contrast, hunting gear today has evolved to serve more practical purposes, with high-performance boots, weather-resistant clothing, and durable backpacks being staples of modern hunters. For instance, The Buzzard’s Roost, a renowned outfitter in the region, offers hunters a range of essential gear designed for comfort and efficiency in the field. Their range includes specially designed binoculars, high-tech GPS trackers, and expertly crafted hunting dog lights—tools that enhance a hunter’s ability to navigate and track in the wild. While the gear has changed to accommodate modern needs, the spirit of hunting remains rooted in the primal connection to the land and the chase, much like the age-old legends of the Wild Hunt.