15 Mythological Dogs Who Were Once Guardians of the Underworld

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Today, we know dogs as loyal companions and beloved pets. But dogs were not always seen that way. Many cultures have tales of canines that were guardians of the underworld and omens of death. Let’s look at 15 of these fascinating and sometimes terrifying mythological dogs. 

Tiangou: The Eclipse Eater 

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Tiangou, a mythical dog in Chinese folklore, is believed to cause eclipses by devouring the sun or moon. This dramatically explains these natural phenomena. During an eclipse, people would make loud noises to scare Tiangou away, hoping to restore the cosmic balance.

Anubis: Guardian of the Afterlife

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Anubis, the ancient Egyptian god with a jackal’s head, oversees mummification and the afterlife. Respected as a protector of graves and a guide for souls, Anubis embodies the Egyptians’ deep respect for the dead and the afterlife. Interestingly, jackals were often seen near cemeteries, linking them to this god’s role.

Barghest: Omen of Death

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In English folklore, the Barghest emerges as a menacing black dog. Known as an omen of death, this monstrous hound haunts the night, its appearance striking fear into those who encounter it on lonely roads. Some tales describe the Barghest as leaving behind scorched earth or withering plants in its path.

Cu-sith: Fairy Dog of the Highlands 

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In Scottish folklore, Cu-sith is a large, green-coated fairy dog. Known for its silent yet powerful presence, this mystical hound is said to appear in remote areas, heralding the presence of otherworldly beings. The Cu-sith’s bark is so terrifying that it causes anyone who hears it to faint from fear.

Inugami: Japanese Spirit Dog 

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Inugami are spirit dogs from Japanese folklore, created through ritualistic means to serve their masters. These loyal yet potentially vengeful spirits highlight Japanese culture’s complex relationship between humans and the supernatural. Inugami can bring good fortune or curse their masters’ enemies, reflecting their dual nature.

Orthrus: Two-Headed Guardian

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Orthrus, a two-headed dog from Greek mythology, guarded the cattle of the giant Geryon. Known as the brother of Cerberus, Orthrus’ role as a formidable guardian underscores the themes of protection and loyalty in ancient myths. Hercules ultimately defeated Orthrus as part of his twelve labors.

Moddey Dhoo: Phantom of Peel Castle

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Moddey Dhoos are spectral black dogs that haunted the Peel Castle on the Isle of Man. A famous story tells of a guard who, after mocking the Moddey Dhoo, died in terror after encountering the phantom hound.

Cwn Annwn: Hounds of the Otherworld 

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The Cwn Annwn are supernatural hounds from Welsh mythology. They are associated with the otherworld and are said to be white with red ears. These mystical dogs are said to hunt the souls of the dead. Hearing their baying is considered a bad omen, foretelling death or disaster.

Cerberus: Guardian of the Underworld 

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Cerberus, the multi-headed dog of Greek mythology, guards the entrance to the underworld. This fearsome hound prevents the dead from leaving and the living from entering, symbolizing the boundary between life and death. Hercules managed to capture Cerberus as one of his twelve labors. 

Cadejo: Brazilian Spectral Dog 

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Cadejo is often described as a harbinger of bad luck in Brazilian folklore. This mythical creature’s eerie presence reflects the themes of fate and superstition in local traditions. Some stories describe Cadejo appearing to lost travelers, guiding them to safety or deeper into peril.

Pesanta: Catalan Nightmare Bringer 

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A giant black dog from Catalan folklore, the Pesanta, is believed to cause nightmares by sitting on people’s chests while they sleep. This nocturnal visitor embodies the fears and anxieties of the human psyche. The Pesanta’s presence is so heavy that it can make breathing difficult. 

Coyote: Native American Trickster

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In Native American mythology, the Coyote is a Trickster figure renowned for cunning, mischief, and cleverness. This shape-shifting character, who embodies both creative and destructive forces, disrupts the natural order with pranks and chaotic antics, ultimately imparting valuable life lessons through his actions. 

Gytrash: Spectral Guardian

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The Gytrash, a spectral black dog from Northern English folklore, haunts lonely paths. Sometimes appearing as a horse or mule, this guardian is both a protector and a precursor, reflecting its dual nature. Charlotte Brontë’s novel “Jane Eyre” references the Gytrash. 

Laelaps: The Unstoppable Hunter 

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Laelaps is a mythical dog in Greek mythology, renowned for its unmatched speed and destined always to catch its prey. Laelaps was turned into stone with the Teumessian fox, and the tale symbolizes the inescapable nature of fate. The paradox of an uncatchable prey and an unstoppable hunter intrigued storytellers. 

Argos: Loyalty Personified

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Argos, the faithful dog of Odysseus from Homer’s epic “The Odyssey,” symbolizes unwavering loyalty. Waiting twenty years for his master’s return, Argos recognizes Odysseus despite his disguise and old age. His story highlights the deep bond between dogs and their owners, resonating through the ages. 

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