Rune Oracle

Celtic folklore

Moddey Dhoo

The black dog of Peel Castle

guardianshipdeath omensthe castle

Also called Mauthe Doog, the black dog of Peel.

The tale

The Moddey Dhoo is a huge black spaniel said to haunt Peel Castle on the Isle of Man. It would come into the guardroom at night and lie by the fire, and the soldiers learned never to be alone with it. One night a drunken soldier insisted on locking the gates alone and followed the dog; he came back speechless with terror and died three days later.

When they are met

  • at night in old castles
  • at dusk

Staying on their good side

  • never go alone where he is said to walk
  • speak respectfully of him
  • leave him in peace

Honouring them, or keeping safe

  1. Visit Peel Castle on the Isle of Man in daylight and remember its legends.
  2. Let his tale remind you not to take foolish risks after drinking.

What their tales teach

  • the tales teach respect for warnings
  • the danger of drunken bravado

Symbols

  • the black spaniel
  • the guardroom fire
  • the castle keys

Sources

  • Waldron, A Description of the Isle of Man (1731)
  • Moore, The Folk-Lore of the Isle of Man

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