The Hounds of Annwn - Music

The Hounds of Annwn (Cŵn Annwn in Welsh) are spectral hounds from Welsh mythology, often associated with the Otherworld, known as Annwn. These mystical creatures are described as having ghostly white or silver fur and glowing red eyes, though variations exist. Their howls are said to be eerie and haunting, growing softer as they draw closer-a chilling sign of their approach.
The Cŵn Annwn are closely tied to Gwyn ap Nudd, the lord of the Otherworld and a figure associated with death and the afterlife. Gwyn leads these hounds in a spectral hunt, known as the Wild Hunt, which traverses the skies, mountains, and forests, particularly at night. They are often seen as omens of death, pursuing the souls of the dead or guiding them to Annwn.
In some traditions, the hounds aren’t purely malevolent; instead, they serve as guardians or psychopomps, ensuring that souls reach their rightful place in the afterlife. Their legend reflects the rich and mystical landscape of Welsh folklore, blending themes of mortality, the supernatural, and the thin veil between worlds.