hellhound

A hellhound is a supernatural dog, often depicted as black with glowing red eyes, that guards the entrance to the underworld or serves as a demonic messenger. These creatures appear in the folklore of many cultures, though their specific characteristics and roles vary.

In Greek mythology, Cerberus, the three-headed dog, is perhaps the most famous example of a hellhound. He guarded the gates of the underworld to prevent the dead from leaving and the living from entering. Similarly, in Norse mythology, Garmr is a fearsome hound who guards the entrance to Hel.

Across different mythologies, hellhounds are often associated with death, evil, and the supernatural. They can be depicted as terrifying beasts that hunt souls, guardians of forbidden places, or harbingers of doom. Their appearance is frequently described as monstrous, with features like fiery eyes, smoke emanating from their mouths, or unusually large size.

The concept of the hellhound has also permeated popular culture, appearing in literature, film, and video games, where they continue to embody a sense of dread and otherworldly power.