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Cryptid

Cù-Sìth

The fairy hound of Scotland. A massive dark green dog, the size of a bull, with a coiled tail. It barks three times—if you hear the third bark before reaching safety, you die of terror.

Ancient - Present
Scotland
150+ witnesses

The Cù-Sìth (fairy dog) is a mythological hound from Scottish Highland folklore, a harbinger of death.

The Legend

According to documented folklore:

The Cù-Sìth:

  • Is a massive fairy hound
  • Hunts silently
  • Barks only three times
  • The third bark kills
  • A death omen

Appearance

The Cù-Sìth appears as:

  • Size of a young bull
  • Dark green shaggy fur
  • Coiled or braided tail
  • Huge paws
  • Glowing eyes

The Three Barks

Its deadly bark:

  • The first bark is distant
  • The second closer
  • Before the third, reach safety
  • Or die of terror
  • No escape if heard

Purpose

The Cù-Sìth:

  • Hunts for the fairy realm
  • Takes souls to the Otherworld
  • Particularly hunts women
  • Nursing mothers especially
  • To provide milk for fairy children

Behavior

How it hunts:

  • Usually silent
  • Moves in straight lines
  • Leaves no tracks
  • Only barks when closing in
  • Cannot be outrun

Similar to:

  • Cŵn Annwn (Welsh)
  • Black Shuck (English)
  • Barghest (Yorkshire)
  • Hellhounds worldwide

Sources

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