Cŵn Annwn

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In Welsh mythology, Cŵn Annwn ("hounds of Annwn") were the white, red-eared ghostly hounds of Annwn, the island otherworld of the afterlife. They were associated with the Wild Hunt, presided over by either Arawn or Gwynn ap Nudd.

In Wales, they were associated with migrating geese, supposedly because their honking in the night is reminiscent of barking dogs. They are supposed to hunt on specific nights (the eves of St. John, St. Martin, Saint Michael the Archangel, All Saints, Christmas, New Year, Saint Agnes, Saint David, and Good Friday), or just in the autumn and winter. Some say that Arawn only hunts from Christmas to Twelfth Night. The Cŵn Annwn also served as the escorts of souls on their journey to the Otherworld.

Arawn and the hounds are sometimes accompanied by a fearsome hag called Mallt-y-Nos, "Matilda of the Night".

Alternative names: Cŵn Mamau ("hounds of the mothers"), Gabriel Hounds (England), Ratchets (England), Yell Hounds (Isle of Man). Related to Herne the Hunter's hounds, which form part of the Wild Hunt.

[edit] See also

• Dip (Catalan myth)
• Barghest
• Black Shuck