Black dogs
There’s no doubt that being followed by a large dog on a dark night is a fearsome experience. Black dogs, in particular, have been associated with supernatural forces and are common legends especially in the United Kingdom and Scandinavia. These paranormal canines are standard creatures of folklore and ghostly tales. They have many names, like Black Shuck – said to be headless and the Barguest (Barghest) – that can shape-shift.
Often described as large and hairy (but not always black) with glowing red eyes, they have the supernatural ability to disappear without a trace. They are frequently sighted along roads and may haunt specific places.
The meaning of a black dog sighting can vary. It may be seen as an omen of death, or represent a demon or the devil in animal form. On the other hand, the dog can also be the guardian of a treasure or a traveller’s protector. In the U.S., stories of frightening black dogs have been associated with UFO sightings, electrical storms and, historically, as spirit beings.
The most famous black dog story is that of the Black Dog of Bungay, Surrey, England, where back in 1577 a demon hound allegedly entered a church and attacked people.
There are certainly real, big black dogs but the scary stories of black dogs assume they have some paranormal or supernatural character.
MORE INFORMATION:
Wapedia: Black Dog (ghost) and Black Shuck
Black Dogs in Folklore (Bob Trubshaw)
Mysterious Britain and Ireland: Phantom Black Dogs
At the Edge: Black Dogs In Folklore and Guardian of the Corpse Ways
ANIMAL X video Phantom Black Dogs (has ad in opening)
REALITY CHECK: Supernatural black dogs aren’t reported much anymore but they were very common in the folklore of the past. This suggests they served some storytelling purpose in the human culture. Just as there is no evidence for any ghosts, there is no evidence for spectral dogs or demon hounds that belong more to scary stories than our modern world. It also could be that people are just frightened of non-paranormal large dogs.
YOUR TURN:
- Have you heard other stories about ghost animals or animal guardians? Tell us.
- What might really have happened in the tale of the Black Dog of Bungay? It was a very long time ago, what clues are left?
