One of the most notorious works of modern horror is Cujo, a story that features no supernatural elements. No serial killers or freak disasters. Just a single rabid dog. Because while dogs are man’s best friend, they can still be terrifying, They were, after all, originally bred from wolves. So it should come as no surprise that some of the darkest legends we have tell of monstrous and ghostly dogs.
Adlet
In the cold wilds of Greenland, native legend tells of a mysterious race of hybrid creature. Known as Adlet, they seem perfectly human from a distance. But get closer and you realise that is only the upper part of their body. Adlet are born of human mothers and wild dog fathers. This created a blood-thirsty, cannibalistic race that is canine from the lower half of their torso. Adlet are less intelligent but much faster and stronger than normal humans. They carry a spear and live in remote wilderness regions. Encounter one in these areas, and it will fiercely hunt you, to feast on your flesh. We do not know the origin of this legend, or how long it has been believed in – but a similar kind of monster has been described in Europe since ancient times.
Dog Heads
Of Equally mysterious origin is belief in Cynocephaly. Their name literally means dog-headedness. This is appropriate when you consider they are described as simply being humanoid creatures with canine heads. While that might sound ridiculous, almost every great civilization seems to mention them in historical records. Ancient Egypt and Greece, Medieval Europe, China, Persia, India and more. According to most versions of the legend, they were intelligent, and civilized to a point. They had no ability to speak human languages, but were capable of understanding them well. Diplomatic relations and trade routes existed between them and various kingdoms. These were reasonable creatures, despite them living in caves, eating raw meat, and killing all prisoners of war. So as long as you don’t go to war with the dog heads, you have little to fear.
It was unclear exactly where the Cynocephaly lived. Travellers and learned men disagreed. Some said northern India. Others said southern Thailand, or what’s now Azerbaijan. These were enduring legends. For hundreds of years the dog heads were believed to actually exist, ruling over a far away society. That’s why a lot of old maps depict them in various locations across the globe. When European explorers reached the Americas, they made sure to investigate the possibility of dog heads living there. No matter where they looked, they found no real evidence of them. Yes, many of the native communities they encountered had similar folk tales, but as the gaps in the map were filled in, belief in Cynocephaly faded away.
I know that may have all sounded like a silly superstition. But if you’re having trouble understanding how people could believe in dog headed humanoids, just take a look in the mirror. For now though, we move on to the next legendary creature.
Black Shuck
Among the most feared monsters in British folklore is Black Shuck, a ghostly dog with a chilling presence. Stories of it have circulated since at least the late medieval age. But the most infamous account is from the year 1577. According to it, the monster showed itself during a terrible thunder storm. In order to survive it, residents of a small town were huddled for safety in their local church. To an especially loud clap of thunder, it burst through the church doors. Snarling and leaving burn marks on the ground where it’s paws landed. Larger and darker than any natural dog, it’s eyes glowed bright red. Like two fires.
What happened next was disputed among survivors of the incident. But it was generally agreed the Black Shuck killed two people, before retreating back into the storm. All agreed it was of the devil, and said they felt it’s presence deeply within them. This would not be the last attack attributed to the Black Shuck, and every time a heavy thunder storm hits the region, there are some who fear it’s return. Some believe it to be a Hell Hound, a servant of hell in canine form. But in any case, it is in line with the other black dog legends that are so common in Britain. In every corner of the country we find stories of ghostly dogs. One of which inspired the most famous Sherlock Holmes mystery.
Church Grim
On the other hand, some ghostly dogs are described as forces for good. Certain churches and cemeteries are said to have protective spirits. Known as a church grim, they will typically take the form of a dog. Embodying the loyalty of man’s best friend. But ultimately it’s their decision. Some grims appear as goats, or owls, or some other creature. Their job is to stand watch day and night, so that no demon can feed on the corpses housed there. But they might not need to do so for long. According to a Scottish version of the legend, a church grim is simply the ghost of the latest person interned. So as soon as another corpse arrives, they are free to move on.
Other Ghostly Dogs
There are countless more ghostly dogs of folklore. like Japan’s Inugami, a vengeful spirit created by beheading a dog and burying it at a crossroad. There is also the Aralez, winged canines from Armenian mythology. And the Gruesome Hound of ancient Mesopotamia. No matter where you go, you will find them.