The Story Behind the Stag’s Head

[♫Ranille♫]

The stag head with the shining cross is based on the legend of Hubertus. Hubertus was born in the 7th century, the oldest son of the Duke Bertrand de Toulouse. At the age of 20, he is force to flee his homeland and take refuge with his uncle, Pipin de Heristal, the ruler of East France. Hubertus assistance in a victorious battle is rewarded with him being made the highest palace official. He marries the prince’s daughter who subsequently dies in childbirth. Normally fond of banquets and high spirited hunting, Hubertus seeks solace and distraction in lonely hunting trips. The legend tells that it was during one of these hunting trips one Christmas Eve that he encountered a splendid stag with a shining cross between its antlers. This vision makes Hubertus change his life. He resigns from his offices and distributes his wealth among the poor and the church. He renounces his Dukedom and becomes a priest. Hubertus founds a number of monasteries and dedicates his life to missionary work in Adennes, his former hunting grounds. On May 30, 727, Hubertus dies in Tervueren. His earlier passion for hunting and the encounter with the stag have made Hubertus the Patron Saint of all Hunters.