The Black Dog also known Black Hound is a spectral entity found mainly in the folklore of the British Isles, but also in other cultures under other names, for example the Cadejo. The black dog is essentially a nocturnal wraith, and its appearance was considered an omen of death.
Appearance[]
It is generally assumed to be physically larger than a dog and often has large, beady eyes. It is often associated with thunderstorms and crossroads, workplaces, and old tracks. Its form in Wales is confined to coastal parishes, and on the Norfolk coast the creature is considered amphibious, rising out of the sea at night and traveling on lonely roads.
History[]
The origins of the black dog are difficult to discern. It is impossible to determine if the ghost originates from elements in British, Celtic, or Germanic culture.
In European mythology, dogs have been associated with death since ancient times. Examples of this are the Cŵn Annwn, Garm and the Cerberus, all of whom are in some way guardians of the underworld. This association appears to be due to canine habits of scavenging and digging up dirt to bury bones. It is possible that the black dog is a survival of these beliefs.
Black dogs are almost universally malevolent, though some (such as the Barghest) are directly harmful. Most are an omen of death and are in some way associated with the Devil. Some like the Somerset Gurt Dog and the Hanging Hills Black Dog can act benevolently.
In Mayan mythology it is called Uay Pek (literally in the Mayan language witch dog: huay, wizard and pek, dog.).