Ayrshire’s ghostly reputation is embodied by the tragic legend of the black dog, a spectral dog born out of guilt, myth and our deep bond with man’s best friend, writes guest writer Pierce Miller
It may not be an exaggeration to claim that Ayrshire is one of the most ghostly places in Scotland. The rich history of Ayrshire includes myths and legends, ranging from Archibald the Wicked of Culzean, a man who lived so cowardly, the devil lived at his funeral, to the white worm of Dalry (possibly inspiring the lesser -known novel by Bram Stoker). Yet one story has been a source of heartache for everyone who hears it -the black dog of Ayrshire.
The legend wants a loyal dog to defend the children of his master against a wolf. Yet De Wolf managed to kill one of the children. When the master returned, he saw blood on the animal’s snout and immediately blamed the dog for the child’s death. The master killed the dog and since then the animal observations have been reported. A great slavery beast that wants nothing more than to take revenge on his unjust death. And who can blame the poor guy? It makes you wonder how many of the observed black dogs are victims of a cruel master, cursed to roam on these islands in search of bloody justice.
Ayrshire’s black dog
I heard the story for the first time as a child in primary school (it was another time), and it is a legend that was held with me, especially because I had just received my first dog and was more than a bit furious with the actions of the Hraast Master. One thing that strikes me about this story is the parable with the story of Gelert. A Welsh legend.
In which Prince Llywelyn is the one who defeats Gelert after the dog protects the child’s child. That story does not mention spectral fangs, but it shows more than a passing similarity. It is a story that emphasizes our special relationship with the best friend of man and the fault of harming an innocent one. Is it that desire to see the wrong right that Ayrshire’s black dog produces?
There is also the story of Wallace’s heel good at South Ayrshire, where the William Wallace of the same name managed to kill and injure several English soldiers before they were fleeing. It was clear to Wallace that the dogs used to follow him would eventually catch up, so while he was running, he jumped from the path on the banks of the River Ayr, the weight and power of his landing that left a permanent print.
This is an example of one petrosomatogyphAn impression in rock that looks like a human or animal body part, usually the feet. Would the black dog of Ayrshire be the spirits of the long -dead dogs that are still looking for the legendary figure William Wallace?
The black dog in Scotland
It is worth noting that this is not the only black dog associated with Scotland. Cu sìth observations are not uncommon. Then, further south in England, there are more black dogs such as the Barghest in Cumbria and the Black Shuck in Anglia. For some, these Hellhounds are a grim omen that offer death; For others they are only a guide, a psychopomp that leads people to the other side.
Some reports witnesses that they have a sulfur -like scent that will probably associate them with the devil, because that scent is often attributed to demons. Given that the hell is where sinners go, a place of punishment and torment, this theme of the black dog becomes stronger as a display of debt. Regarding their role as a guide for the hereafter, you only have to consider their roaming grounds.
There are many forest paths in Ayrshire in which a tired traveler can get lost. It could be said that the lush greenery is a reason to visit, but this is the exact environment that the black dog would rather and where most observations have taken place. Forests are Liminal spaces, that is, placing transition, being stuck between two worlds.
Given the Black Dogs’ Association with death, the transition character of their habitat can be intentional. Perhaps the black dog of Ayrshire chases these places not to look for revenge, but to lead us through the transition, from one track to another, from life to the other world.
My perspective is that we have done what we do with our pets with the black dog, we have projected. We have an animal anthropomorphic; We want revenge for the black dog. That guilt and desire for justice have evolved over the years, which gives rise to the myth. Whether this creature really roams through the forests or not, the tragic nature has pursued my mind in the last eighteen years.
Pierce Miller is a student nurse in mental health care with an extracurricular interest in paranormal and their intersection with human psychology. The use of these passions as a fuel for his own short story and new projects. These include genres such as science fiction, fantasy and horror and all with a particularly dark turn. Pierce lives in Ayrshire with his two dogs, the only company he can stand.
