Cu Sìth

The "Cu Sìth" or "Cusìth" of Scottish mythology (pronounced 'coo shee') is an enormous, otherworldly hound, said to haunt the Scottish Highlands. Roughly the size of a cow or large calf, the "Cu Sìth" was said to be dark green in color with shaggy fur and a long braided or curled tail. In Irish mythology the Cu Sith was said to be an immense,coal black hound with glowing or flaming eyes. The Cu Sith was feared as a harbinger of death and would appear to bear away the soul of a person to the afterlife (similar to the manner of the Grim Reaper).

Legend has it that the creature was capable of hunting silently, but would occasionally let out three terrifying barks that could be heard for long distances, including by ships at sea. This was said to be a warning to farmers to lock up their women, let the beast abduct them and take them to a fairy mound (Scottish Gaelic, "sìthean ") to supply milk for fairy ("daoine-sìth") children.

"Cu Sìth" literally means 'fairy dog.' Supernatural dogs in Celtic mythos are usually completely black, or white with red ears. The "Cu Sìth"'s coloration is therefore highly unusual, although it may be derived from the green color often worn by Celtic fairies.

St Kentigern, who was raised in Culross by St Serf in the 7th century, was nicknamed Mungo meaning 'little dog'.

ee also

* Aos Sí
* Black Shuck
* Cat Sìth
* Cooshee (a "Dungeons & Dragons" creature based on the legends)