Cornwall’s Phantom Hounds
Posted by: Nick Redfern on December 3rd, 2012
Tales of spectral black hounds from the UK have intrigued me for years, which is why I’m very pleased to note there’s a brand new feature on this specific topic online, courtesy of good friend, Kithra.
In particular, Kithra focuses her attention on those fiery-eyed beasts from the English county of Cornwall where she lives, and which is a location steeped in ancient lore and myth.
She states:
“The local name that the Cornish have for these creatures is Dando’s Dogs, or Dandy Dogs. As in many other places, it is believed that to hear them baying is a sign of imminent disaster. And, should you actually see them then you will meet a sudden death. The name itself arises from the tale of a dissolute priest called Dando, and many believe that they only appear on a Sunday.
“The story of Dando is one where he sells his soul to the Devil. As generally told Dando was a priest at the old priory church in St Germans, and he was a great sinner who enjoyed all the pleasures of life that priests weren’t supposed to indulge in. This included hunting, even on a Sunday, and while doing so he continued his love of drink to the point of disregarding crops and fences as his hounds and henchmen followed him wherever the prey went. Yet he was loved by his parishioners as, being such a sinner himself, he always forgave then their own sins.”
And here’s where you can read the complete feature.
About Nick Redfern
Punk music fan, Tennents Super and Carlsberg Special Brew beer fan, horror film fan, chocolate fan, like to wear black clothes, like to stay up late. Work as a writer.
