Grim (or Fairy Grim) is the name of a shapeshifting fairy that sometimes took the form of a black dog in the 17th-century pamphlet The Mad Pranks and Merry Jests of Robin Goodfellow. He was also referred to as the Black Dog of Newgate, but though he enjoyed frightening people he never did any serious harm.

The English church grim usually takes the form of a large black dog with red eyes and guards churchyards from those who would profane them, including thieves, vandals, witches, warlocks, and the Devil himself.

The Church Grim is a supernatural entity that is often depicted as a large black dog. It has been a part of English and Scandinavian folklore for centuries and is believed to have a special role in protecting sacred grounds and guiding the souls of the departed to the afterlife.

Feb 18, 2020 · The church grim usually takes the form of a large black dog and guards churchyards from those who would profane them including thieves, vandals, witches, warlocks, and the Devil himself.

Explore Northern Europe's folklore: the Church Grim guards ancient churches, a spectral black dog symbolizing protection and mystery.

Feb 20, 2019 · The church grim is a guardian spirit from English and Scandinavian folklore, who protects churchyards from thieves, vandals, witches, warlocks, and even the Devil himself. The grim most often takes the form of a large black dog, though it has occasionally been known to take on other animal forms.

Oct 17, 2018 · Although they are an attendant spirit, Church Grims are not some dapper gentleman dressed in clothes of old or a gentle animal. Instead, Church Grims usually appear as intensely fierce black dogs ready to protect the church. In some stories, the dogs can also be rams, horses, roosters, or ravens.