Black Dogs

Also called whist hounds, these spectral black dogs are thought to be part of the wild hunt in some societies and an omen of death. Generally, there are no known protections from attacks, though if one faces them and sees their eyes, they are to lay face-down with arms and legs crossed and repeat a personal mantra of power (ie the Lord’s Prayer) until the hounds pass by. Most people who see them or encounter them die within a year. Whist hounds are most frequently found in Great Britian, Ireland and Scotland, but are also occasionally seen in rural areas and heavily forested areas all over the world.

Whist hounds are thought to be the offspring of Black Shuck, a black spectral dog belonging to Odin. A particularly spectacular version of his children, Black Shuck is a massive black dog standing as tall as a calf with brilliantly glowing red or yellow eyes. Occasionally, he appears to be headless, but this is usually an optical illusion caused by the shifting surface of his sleek, black skin. He is seen most frequently in the British Isles and Scandinavia, but he has made appearances in North America as well. He appears to be fond of Southern Canada and the Northern Midwestern region of USA.