The History of Dogs in Halloween: Myths and Legends
Dogs have long held a mysterious and eerie place in Halloween folklore, tied to myths and legends from centuries past. As modern day Halloween evolved from ancient festivals, so too have tales of ghostly hounds and supernatural guardians. From the ominous black hound to the ancient Mexican hairless Xoloitzcuintli, dogs have been both feared and revered in Halloween mythology.
Ancient Myths: Dogs as Guardians of the Dead
In many ancient cultures, dogs were strongly linked to death and the afterlife. One of the most famous examples comes from Egyptian mythology, where Anubis, the god of mummification and the afterlife, was portrayed with the head of a jackal. Anubis guided souls through the underworld, reinforcing the belief that dogs held a special connection to the spiritual realm.
In Greek mythology, Cerberus, the massive three-headed dog, guarded the gates of Hades, ensuring that no souls escaped from the realm of the dead. Also referred to as the original Hell Hound, this guardian of the underworld became a symbol of death, strengthening the association between dogs and death for mankind.
The Celtic festival of Samhain, which laid the foundation for modern Halloween, also involved dogs in its supernatural folklore. It was believed that during Samhain, the veil between the living and the dead was at its thinnest, allowing spirits to roam the earth. Dogs were thought to sense these spirits, acting as protectors to their human companions. However, their role as ‘spiritual watchmen’ also associated them with death, giving them a more sinister position in the Samhain traditions.
The Black Hound: An Omen of Death
One of the most enduring and chilling dog-related legends is that of the Black Hound. This ghostly creature, often referred to as a “hellhound,” is believed to roam lonely roads, cemeteries, and moors. These dogs were said to have glowing red eyes and were an unnatural size and strength. The Black Hound, also known as the "Church Grim" or "Black Shuck", was a terrifying figure. According to legend, seeing a blackhound could mean impending death or bad luck, making them creatures of both fascination and fear.
The Barghest: The Ghost Dog of the Moors
Another famous dog from English folklore is the Barghest, a monstrous black dog believed to haunt the Yorkshire moors and graveyards. The Barghest, like the Black Hound, was seen as a harbinger of death. It was said to appear to those who were destined to die soon, stalking its victims with glowing red eyes and eerie silence. The Barghest is often portrayed as more of a menacing figure to The Black Hound as it causes more physical harm. Its legend has largely contributed to the myth of black dogs as sinister, supernatural creatures around Halloween.
The Xoloitzcuintli: A Guide to the Afterlife
On the other side of the world, the Xoloitzcuintli, or Mexican Hairless Dog, has its own ancient and mystical significance. In Aztec mythology, the Xoloitzcuintli was associated with the god Xolotl, who guided souls to the underworld. These dogs were believed to help the deceased on their journey to the afterlife, serving as spiritual protectors. Unlike the other dogs in Halloween myths and legends, they were considered kind and caring but it was the Xolo’s hairless, almost ‘otherworldly’ appearance that led them to be associated to Halloween.
Breaking the Myths
While the myths of the BlackHound, the Barghest, and even the Xoloitzcuintli are fascinating and make for great Halloween stories, it’s important to remember that these are just myths. Unfortunately, legends of black dogs as omens of death or bad luck have had real-world consequences. There’s a phenomenon known as “black dog syndrome,” where black dogs are less likely to be adopted from shelters due to lingering superstitions and their perceived association with bad luck.
This Halloween, we can celebrate black dogs not for their mythical past, but for their loyalty and companionship. In truth, dogs have been our faithful companions for millennia, whether as ancient guardians of the afterlife or as modern-day family members. So, while Halloween may be filled with spooky tales, it’s also a great time to recognise the real, unconditional love that dogs bring into our lives.
