Encounter Atlas

Creature index / Dogmen and beasts

Gwyllgi

Also called Dog of Darkness, Cŵn Annwn, Ci Annwn, Welsh black dog, Corpse dog

A ghostly black mastiff of Welsh folklore with red eyes and foul breath, seen on lonely roads.

The gwyllgi, roughly 'dog of darkness' or 'wild dog', is the Welsh version of the phantom black dog. It is described as a huge mastiff or black wolf with blazing red eyes and terrible breath, appearing to travellers on lonely roads at night.

It is linked to the Cŵn Annwn, the hounds of the Otherworld in Welsh tradition, and to the 'corpse dog' that foretells a death. The Nant y Garth Pass near Llandegla in Denbighshire is its best-known haunt, and reports also come from around Marchwiel near Wrexham.

It is one of many black dog legends found across Britain, including the barghest, Black Shuck and the Isle of Man's Moddey Dhoo.

What witnesses report

  • A huge black dog with red eyes on a dark road
  • Foul breath
  • Following travellers silently

Famous cases

    Seen the Gwyllgi?

    Tell us what happened. Every report is read by a person before it goes on the map, and you can stay anonymous.

    Report a Gwyllgi encounter Not sure what it was?

    Related

    Black Shuckaka Old Shuck, Old ShockEast Anglia's huge, fiery-eyed phantom dog.Barghestaka Barguest, BargestA monstrous black dog of northern England, said to be an omen of death.Moddey Dhooaka Mauthe Doog, Black dog of Peel CastleA phantom black dog said to haunt Peel Castle on the Isle of Man.