While the individual words have clear origins, the exact source of the phrase itself isn't pinpointed to a single text or author. It likely emerged organically from the common usage of these words in the language over time.
The phrase is often used in a humorous or whimsical way, emphasizing a sense of movement in all directions. It's often found in folk tales, children's literature, and poetry where a sense of playfulness and adventure is desired.
While we can't definitively trace its origin, we can appreciate "hither and yon" as a charming and evocative phrase with a long history in the English language.