Cwn Annwn-The Spectral Hounds

This is Cŵn Annwn. In Welsh mythology, Cŵn Annwn were the ghost hounds of Annwn, or the otherworld (aka, afterlife). They were associated with the Wild Hunt, presided over by Gwyn ap Nudd. In Wales, they were associated with migrating geese, because apparently, their honking in the night sounded like barking dogs.

Their hunting grounds are the mountian of Cadair Idris, where the howling of these huge dogs fortold death to any who heard them. (So banshees? Or maybe the Grim is a better example?) According to the folklore, they're loudest the further away they are, and grow softer as they come for you. And kill you. Probably eat you.

Anyway, this was basically a speed painting. I'm very, VERY happy with it though. It looks great I think. They're suppose to resemble Irish Wolfhounds, and I looked at different poses for them. This took three hours or so. Probably more. I already had the dogs drawn for another project, but felt it was perfect for this.

The trees, stars and grass are from and I thank her for letting me use them.

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