Across the moors and misty highlands of Scotland stalks the Cu Sith (pronounced “coo-shee”), a supernatural hound of enormous size whose appearance presages death. Unlike black spectral dogs found elsewhere in Britain, the Cu Sith is dark green—the color of the fairy realm from which it comes.
Appearance
The Cu Sith is immediately recognizable by its unusual features:
- Size: As large as a young bull or calf
- Color: Dark green, shaggy fur
- Tail: Braided or coiled flat against its back
- Paws: As wide as a man's hand, leaving massive tracks
- Movement: Glides silently or moves in a straight line
Its green color marks it as a creature of the Sìth (fairy folk), distinguishing it from the demonic black dogs of English folklore.
The Three Bays
The Cu Sith's most terrifying aspect is its bark. It bays three times—and only three:
- The first bay serves as a warning
- The second bay causes terror
- The third bay strikes dead anyone who hears it, or causes them to die of fear
Those who hear the first bay must reach safety before the third, for no escape is possible afterward. The creature's bark can be heard for great distances across the Highland moors.
Purpose and Role
The Cu Sith serves as a messenger between the fairy realm and the mortal world. Some tales describe it hunting souls for the fairy host, particularly during Samhain (Halloween). Other stories link it to nursing mothers—the Cu Sith was said to enter homes to steal nursing women away to provide milk for fairy children.
Protection
Highland women would lock themselves and their cattle indoors when the Cu Sith was abroad. Iron and rowan berries provided some protection, as did prayers and keeping nursing mothers hidden from fairy sight.
Related Creatures
The Cu Sith is related to the Irish Cú Sidhe and contrasts with the English Black Shuck. Compare to the Welsh Cŵn Annwn (Hounds of Annwn) and other spectral hounds of British folklore.
