On the Eigth Day of Yule - The Holly and Oak King

The Holly and Oak King

A common theme for Pagan's at Yule is the battle of the kings of the Holly and the Oak. The Holly King represents the waning year and The Oak King represents the waxing year.

At the Summer Solstice these great kings do battle but it is the Oak King that is defeated as the light of the day gives way to darkness as the Holly King takes his reign.  But at The Winter Solstice they do battle again and this time the Oak King will win and with his reign will come the return of the light.


The Holly and Oak King are the same king but with a twin soul.  They both rule for six months of the year, and are associated with the rites of the Solstice’s. They are both vegetation Gods/Deity’s connected to fertility and the seasons.

I have been to rituals were this great battle is re-enacted and it is amazing to see the story brought to life.