Hellhound facts for kids

A hellhound is a supernatural dog, found in mythology, folklore and fiction. It is said to be quite a bit larger than a normal dog. Many ominous or hellish supernatural dogs are in mythology around the world, similar to the ubiquitous dragon.

Hellhounds are often said to have black fur, glowing red or sometimes glowing yellow eyes, super strength or speed, ghostly or phantom characteristics, a badodor, and sometimes even the ability to talk. In cultures that think that there is fire in the afterlife, hellhounds may have fire-based abilities and appearance. They often have to guard the entrances to the world of the dead, such as graveyards and burial grounds, or do other things related to the afterlife or the supernatural. These might be hunting down lost souls or guarding a supernatural treasure.

In European legends, seeing a hellhound or hearing it howl may be either an omen or a cause of a soon death.

See also

In Spanish: Hellhound para niños