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Hellhounds
Supernatural dogs found in folklore around the world. They guard the entrance to the afterlife, hunt the damned, and appear as omens of death. From Cerberus to Church Grims, the black dog crosses all cultures.
Ancient - Present
Worldwide
50000+ witnesses
Hellhounds appear in cultures across the globe.
The Archetype
According to folklore studies:
Hellhounds are:
- Supernatural canines
- Usually black
- Eyes of fire
- Associated with death
- Guard the underworld
Famous Examples
Around the world:
- Cerberus (Greek)
- Garm (Norse)
- Black Shuck (English)
- Barghest (Yorkshire)
- Cŵn Annwn (Welsh)
Common Features
They share:
- Black coloring
- Glowing eyes (often red)
- Enormous size
- Connection to death
- Supernatural speed
Their Purpose
They serve to:
- Guard underworld entrances
- Hunt damned souls
- Warn of impending death
- Protect cemeteries
- Escort the dead
Church Grims
In England and Scandinavia:
- Black dogs buried in churchyards
- First burial becomes guardian
- Protects against evil
- Seen on stormy nights
- Benevolent hellhounds
Modern Sightings
People still report:
- Phantom black dogs
- On lonely roads
- Near cemeteries
- Before deaths occur
- Across the world
The Wild Hunt
Hellhounds also:
- Accompany the Wild Hunt
- Chase across sky
- Their baying heard
- On winter nights
- Driving mortals mad