Back to Events
Cryptid

Barghest

Yorkshire's spectral hound has eyes of fire and drags rattling chains. It appears before death in the family. Some say it's a shapeshifter that can appear as a headless man or white rabbit. Cross its path and your fate is sealed.

Ancient - Present
Yorkshire, England
200+ witnesses

The Barghest is Yorkshire’s demon dog.

The Creature

What it is:

  • Spectral black dog
  • Fiery eyes
  • Huge size
  • Rattling chains
  • Death omen

Where It’s Seen

Locations:

  • Remote paths
  • Churchyards
  • Ginnels (alleys)
  • Lonely moors
  • Yorkshire region

The Variations

Forms it takes:

  • Giant black dog
  • Headless man
  • White rabbit
  • Shapeshifter
  • Various forms

The Omen

What it means:

  • Death is coming
  • To family or self
  • See it and doom
  • Cannot be avoided
  • Warning spirit

Famous Locations

Known haunts:

  • York’s Shambles
  • Troller’s Gill
  • Various graveyards
  • Ancient paths
  • Multiple sites

Connection to Others

Related beings:

  • Black Shuck
  • Padfoot
  • Grim
  • Spectral dogs
  • British tradition

Sources