Discover these Mythical Dogs
If you have read any Harry Potter book, then you should know what mythical dogs are. They are also found in myths of different cultures. There is something about dogs that make them ideal for spooky tales. But if you are the faint-hearted one, then you might cringe at the sight of these creatures.
Mythical dogs are often seen as companion animals to gods, goddesses, and heroes. They are portrayed as scary and foreboding animals that stalk the night. Others are used to escort gods or kings on their hunting sprees. However, in Greek mythology, dogs were considered sacred to Ares and Artemis.
Dogs are the commonest pet that humans love. This explains why it’s a common sight in the evenings or mornings to see people walking down their canines. Dogs can be friendly and wild, depending on their training and role. Security dogs will not sympathize with any trespasser. However, a chihuahua will be as loving as a baby. Mythical dogs, on the other hand, are meant to send chills down your spine when you spot them. They are mainly for protection, battle, and hunting. Stay here as we look at each mythical dog in history.
Black Shuck
Black Shuck is a ghostly dog that is said to trail the Eastern England coastline. It is sometimes called Old Shock, Old Shuck, or Shuck. He is often portrayed as one big black dog with flaming eyes and very scary that is bound to send shivers down the spine of whoever sees it. Black Shuck prefers to live in cemeteries, forests, coastlines, crossroads, and water bodies. Since he is creepy and fear-provoking, he doesn’t live near people but rather such isolated places.
Barghest
Barghest is a monstrous dog, sometimes known as Bo-guest, Bargtjest, Bargeist, Barguist, or Barguest. It is said that this mythological canine dwells in North England, particularly near Yorkshire. It has the capacity to change forms and is believed to be surrounded by many legends. Some people believe that the Barghest can sometimes foretell death. When it lays across the threshold of your home, Then there is looming death in your household.
Cerberus
This is the multi-headed canine that guards the doorway to the underworld in Roman and Greek mythology. It is often portrayed as one with three heads joining at the neck and is believed to prevent the dead from escaping the underworld. Also, It is meant to fend off the living from accessing the world of the dead.
Argos
He is Odysseus’ faithful dog that was narrated in Homer’s Odyssey. He is depicted as one that had a close relationship with his master that even after 20 years apart, he was able to recognize his master when he came back home disguised. It is said that when Odyssey came back, Argos wagged his tail but didn’t stand up to greet him. When he refused to let his disguise go, but instead passed by Argos, he died shortly after.
Axehandle Hound
This is narrated in the early lumberjack folklore as one of the fearsome critters. He is portrayed as one dig with a handle shaped body and a head shaped like an axe blade. It is said that Axehandle’s main diet was axe handles. You don’t want to meet such a canine that feeds on axe handles, do you?
Last Remark
There are a number of mythical dogs that are usually portrayed as black in color, having fear packed eyes and with strange shapes. They are very different from the friendly dogs that we know today. In history, these mythical dogs were used to protect gods and goddesses, guard entrances to territories, and go hunting with their bosses. They had mean looking faces that kept enemies and other dangerous animals at bay.