Black Shuck

Old Shuck

Black Shuck

Greaterfolk-consensusBritishNorseEast AngliaBritish Isles
Origin

Possibly derived from the Norse hellhound or the widespread British tradition of the Black Dog. In 1577, an enormous black dog reportedly appeared at two churches in Suffolk — Bungay and Blythburgh — during a terrible storm, killing parishioners before vanishing through the locked doors.

Appearance

The size of a calf or larger. Jet black fur, eyes like glowing coals (red or green depending on account), and sometimes missing an eye entirely. Leaves scorched marks where it has passed.

Abilities

Its gaze can kill or cause immediate blindness. Can appear and disappear through solid walls. The scorch marks left at Blythburgh church (visible to this day) mark its passage. Its howl carries across impossible distances.

Weaknesses & Wards

Weaknesses

  • condition
    Do not make eye contact

Wards

  • symbol
    Iron horseshoe above the door
Sources
  1. [1]
    The Black Dog of Bungay. Fleming, Abraham. 1577. A Straunge and Terrible Wunder. London.literary
  2. [2]
    British Goblins. Sikes, Wirt. 1880. British Goblins: Welsh Folk-lore, Fairy Mythology, Legends and Traditions. Sampson Low.folk
folk-consensus