MONSTERS, CRYPTIDS AND SUPERNATURAL CREATURES
BLACK SHUCK
Old Shuck, Old Shock, Shuck, Black Dog
Black Shuck roams the coastline and countryside of East Anglia and is one of many reported supernatural black dogs, which have been recorded for centuries across the British Isles. Tales tell of a un-naturally large black dog with shaggy fur and malevolent flaming red eyes, whos howling makes the hearer's blood run cold. It is said that to meet his stare is an omen that your death will occur before the end of the year. One of the most notable reports of Black Shuck, is of his appearance in the villages of Bungay and Bythburgh in Suffolk during an almighty storm. On 4 August 1577, at Blythburgh, he was said to have burst in through the church doors to a clap of thunder, run up the nave, past a large congregation and kill a man and boy, causing the church steeple to collapse through the roof. As he left, he left claw marks on the north door which can be seen to this day. That same night, he was then seen outside a church in Bungay, where two were killed by having their necks broken as the hound ran between them.
Physiology:
He is described as being anywhere between the size of a calf, up to that of a cart-horse, with shaggy black fur and fiery red eyes. In 2014 the bones of a 7ft dog were found in the grounds of Leiston Abbey.
Locals immediately claimed the remains could only belong to Black Shuck. The grave was unmarked, and only 20 inches beneath the surface, and experts believe the dog could have weighed over 14 stone when it was alive.
Etylmology:
The name Shuck derives from the Old English word scucca - "devil, fiend", from the root word skuh- to terrify.
History:
The legend of Black Shuck is one as old as the Fens, with the earliest recorded sighting of the huge, black hound as long ago as 1127 in the Peterborough Chronicle.
Territory:
England
Origination:
Black Shuck has a long association with malevolence and darkness. Throughout history it has appeared in British folklore as an omen of doom or a portent of evil. It has been described as a shapeshifter, a ghost, a hellhound and even as Satan himself.
Nature:
Black Shuck has somewhat of an unpredictable history, with regards to his temperament. He is mainly recognized as an omen of doom and has, in the past killed indescriminately, however, there have been numerous sightings, where witnesses have remained unharmed.
Modus Operandi:
Roams the countryside, stalking lonely roads at night, hunting for travellers in complete silence. Travellers have sworn to feel his icy breath on the backs of their necks and hear his howls rising above the winds on stormy nights.
Vulnerability:
Unknown. There are no records of Black Shuck being harmed or repelled in any of the eye witness accounts, therefore it is difficult to draw any conclusions on the matter. As a manifestation of evil he should therefore be susceptible to religious iconography, however, as demonstrated by the account of his attack on the chapels at Bungay and Bythburgh. It would seem this is not the case.