The devil’s dog has been portrayed in mythology and folklore for centuries with different names and representations. Some of the most well-known names associated with the devil’s dog include Cerberus, Garmr, and Black Shuck.
Cerberus
In Greek mythology, Cerberus is the multi-headed dog that guards the gates of the Underworld to prevent the dead from leaving. According to myths, Cerberus has three heads and a snake for a tail. He is usually depicted as a vicious, demonic watchdog loyal only to his master, Hades, the god of the Underworld. The Romans later adopted Cerberus into their mythology where he retained his role as the guard dog of the Underworld.
The name Cerberus comes from the Greek “Kerberos” meaning “demon of the pit.” He is often referred to as the “hound of Hades.” Myths tell that gods and heroes such as Heracles and Orpheus were able to sneak past or lull Cerberus to sleep to gain access to Hades’ realm.
Garmr
In Norse mythology, Garmr is the blood-stained watchdog that guards the entrance to the underworld realm of Hel. He is described as a terrible four-eyed hound who will howl ominously and break his chains at Ragnarok, the end-times battle where the old gods will perish.
The name Garmr comes from the Old Norse word for “rag.” Some legends say that Tyr, the god of war, lost his hand trying to chain the ferocious Garmr. The huge hound’s barking is believed to signify the coming of Ragnarok according to the Poetic Edda, an ancient Norse text.
Black Shuck
Black Shuck is part of English folklore as a spectral black dog and harbinger of doom. He is said to roam the coastline and countryside of East Anglia. According to legend, the dog’s name comes from the old English word “scucca” meaning demon or devil.
Sightings of Black Shuck were first recorded in 1127, and some accounts describe it as a tall, shaggy, calf-sized black dog with saucer eyes as big as plates. It is considered an omen of death to see the phantom dog or hear its growls. Some locales in East Anglia still reference the legend today with pubs and trails named after Black Shuck.
Other Notable Hellhounds
There are various other hellhounds and demonic dogs mentioned throughout world myths and legends. Here are some other notable examples:
- The Cŵn Annwn – In Welsh mythology, the spectral white dogs of the otherworld who hunt with the pagan god Arawn.
- Barghest – A monstrous black dog in English lore that was said to roam Yorkshire.
- Dip – In Catalan myth, Dip is the gigantic dog that guards the entrance to Hell.
- The Beast of Bray Road – A werewolf-like creature reported in Wisconsin during the 1980s.
- The Church Grim – In Swedish folklore, this spectral dog protects churchyards from those who would profane them.
The Devil’s Name for His Dogs
While the devil’s mythological dogs go by many creepy names, the devil likely has his own affectionate names for his beloved pets. Here are some humorous theories on what the devil might call his dogs:
- Spot or Fido – Just regular dog names to throw people off.
- Fluffy or Princess – Ironic cute names to be menacing.
- Barkspawn – A demonic version of Barkspawn from Dragon Age.
- Hellboy – After the comic book character with horns.
- Damien – Like the creepy kid from The Omen.
- Cujo – After Stephen King’s rabid dog.
- Puggles – A combination of pug and beagle, two dog breeds.
While we may never know for sure what the devil affectionately calls his own pets, one thing is certain – you don’t want to get on a hellhound’s bad side or feel its bite!
Conclusion
The devil’s mythical dogs have terrorized mankind’s imaginations for ages as monstrous creatures guarding the underworld. Cerberus, Garmr, Black Shuck, and other hellhound legends reveal a fascination with spectral canines as both protectors of the dead and omens of misfortune. While the devil’s pet surely has an ominous true name, it’s also fun to theorize cute nicknames the Lord of Evil might affectionately use just between him and his loyal companion.