Gwyllgi: The Dog of Darkness
The Hound of the Deep
Welsh mythology is populated by many dogs (such as the Cù-Sìth), but the Gwyllgi is the most terrifying. Its name translates roughly to "Dog of Darkness" or "Twilight Dog." It is a solitary phantom that patrols the physical world. Descriptions are consistent: it is a mastiff-like beast, the size of a calf, with matted black fur. Its defining feature is its eyes—luminous, burning red ovals that hover at chest height in the darkness.
The Omen of Doom
Unlike a physical wolf, the Gwyllgi is not a predator of flesh. It is a predator of fate. It serves as a harbinger. Seeing the Gwyllgi is a somatic marker for imminent death. It does not attack directly. It observes. Encounters typically occur on "Corpse Roads"—ancient paths used to carry the dead from remote farms to the churchyard. The hound acts as a guardian of these liminal transits.
The Howl
Auditory warning precedes visual confirmation. The howl of the Gwyllgi is distinct from a natural canine. It is described as a hollow, metallic baying that silences the surrounding wildlife. If heard three times, it is believed to signal the death of the listener or a close family member within days.
Interaction Protocols
The Gwyllgi is an unstoppable force.
- Avoidance: If red eyes are sighted on a path, do not approach.
- Retreat: Turn back immediately. Do not cross the path of the hound.
- Respect: The entity is a force of nature/death. It cannot be fought with steel or lead.
The Final Warning
The mountain roads of Wales are narrow and dark. If you see two red lights ahead, and there is no car attached to them, do not flash your lights.
