The Black Sow of Britain is a renowned figure from Wales and Britain.
Overview[]
The black sow was renowned throughout Wales and Britain as a fearsome figure, one who travels the night (usually Hallowe'en or Samhain), destroying the profane body of any human it catches in order to rebuild it as a sacred vessel filled with spirit power. The sow had no tail, and was called, in Welsh, yr Hwch Ddu Gwta. She would sometimes be seen with a headless woman dressed in white.
The sow possibly has some connection with Cerridwen, a triple goddess figure associated with the sow and considered a fertility goddess. This connects with the view of the Black Sow as a symbol for spiritual rebirth.
Today's consideration has changed the myth to make the Black Sow an evil figure, a symbol of cold death. Most have forgotten the image of rebirth that goes along with it, and the shamanistic power of this animal is all but lost.
Trivia[]
- Many things in the World of Darkness could behind the myth of the Black Sow of Britain or inspired by it, these include:
References[]
- MTAs: Dead Magic II: Secrets and Survivors, p. 123