Dip

Dip

Region of origin: Catalonia

A black dog myth from the Catalan region, but unlike other stories of black dogs who serve as death omens but rarely directly interact with the people who see them, the dip is a vampiric beast in the employ of the Devil, descending in packs from the mountains and attacking anyone they come across to drink their blood. The dip has become particularly associated the town of Pratdip, coincidentally named but etymologically distinct, where the dog is featured on their coat of arms and an annual celebration, the Pratdip Llegendari, is held just before the weekend of All Saints, featuring stories and games symbolically hunting and rounding up the creatures.

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Tibicena

Tibicena

Region of origin: Canary Islands

Demonic figures of Guanches mythology alternatively known as Tibicena and Guacanchas to inhabitants of different islands, they were thought to be children or attendants of Guayota, an evil god of darkness and volcanoes and would hunt humans and livestock found outside at night as well as serving as familiars and servants to witches. Though largely described as being large, black dogs, idols of Tibicenas have been found shaped as boar- or bear-like animals and even Yeti-like hominids. It’s believed the indigenous Guanches of pre-European colonization would make small sacrifices to these idols to protect themselves from the Tibicenas’ nocturnal hunts, but belief in them has persisted into modern times, with sightings being recorded as recently as the mid-1900s. Oddly, in the latter half of the century, there have continued to be sightings of mysterious large dogs exhibiting strange behavior or abilities, but these all having white fur.

Originally posted on Tumblr on December 6, 2016

Yeth-Hound

Yeth-Hound

Region of origin: Devon, England

A variation on the United Kingdom’s numerous Black Dog stories, the Yeth- or Yell-hounds appear as large, headless dogs but in actuality are the spirits of unbaptized children who had died; now bound to roam the moors of southern England, hunting similarly-fated souls to turn them into more Yeth-hounds. These spirits will wander the woods and swamps at night making loud, mournful cries which serve as a death omen, with anyone who can hear them said to die within three weeks.

Originally posted on Tumblr on August 16, 2016

Cadejo

Cadejo

Region of origin: Central America

People walking through Central America at night, often drunks, the homeless or others of particular vulnerability, may encounter two spirits who assume the form of goat- or cow-like dogs: the white cadejo, a benevolent creature who will guide the traveler and try to protect them from the black cadejo, who will attempt to scare them to the point of madness, tempt them with wicked deeds, or simply savagely attack them. Their origins vary heavily by region, such as both being children cursed to these forms after angering a wizard, or the black cadejo being an incarnation of the devil himself.

Originally posted on Tumblr on July 8, 2016

Pesanta

Pesanta

Region of origin: Catalonia, Spain

A large dog- or cat-like creature that will come into people’s houses at night and perch itself on their chests causing sleep paralysis, breathing issues and nightmares. Their paws are heavy steel, but they have holes in them ostensibly to prevent them from taking anything from the homes they’re visiting.

Originally posted on Tumblr on April 24, 2016

Shug Monkey

Shug Monkey

Region of origin: Cambridgeshire, England

A creature combining elements of disparate folklore such as the Black Dogs and undiscovered primates, the Shug Monkey is a spectral creature claimed to be roaming the hillsides and roads of Cambridgeshire. The Shug Monkey is a canine-like form but with ape- or monkey-like features and is said to alternate between walking on two legs or all-fours. It seems to appear and disappear as it pleases and afterwards witnesses describe their encounters as menacing but the Shug Monkey doesn’t seem to be particularly out to harm or hinder people.

Originally posted on Tumblr on April 13, 2016

Gytrash

Gytrash

Region of origin: Northern England

One of the British Isles’ various Black Dogs, the gytrash was less a definitive portent of death than some of its relations, but still rarely a pleasant encounter. It would appear to menace travelers on roads at night and try to lead them off their course. Aside from a dog, it was also supposed to be able to take the form of a black mule or horse, also known as a “shagfoal.”

Originally posted on Tumblr on February 16, 2016