What breed was the Hound of Baskervilles from Sherlock Holmes? - briefly
The Hound of the Baskervilles is often described as a large, hellish black dog with blazing eyes. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle did not specify an exact breed, but it is commonly depicted as a supernaturally large and terrifying hound, likely inspired by various large dog breeds such as the English Mastiff or the Great Dane. There is an opinion that the author was inspired by local legends and folklore, rather than a specific breed. The dog's appearance is exaggerated to enhance its menacing and supernatural qualities.
The legend of the hound is rooted in the folklore of Devon, where the Baskerville estate is located. According to the legend, a hound appeared to Sir Hugo Baskerville as a punishment for his wicked deeds, and it has been said to haunt the moors ever since. This legend serves as the basis for the mystery that Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson must solve. The hound's supernatural attributes are emphasized to create an atmosphere of dread and suspense. The physical description of the hound is vague, allowing for a more terrifying and ambiguous portrayal.
The Hound of the Baskervilles is a central element in the story, symbolizing the dark and supernatural forces that threaten the Baskerville family. Its appearance and behavior are designed to evoke fear and uncertainty, making it a formidable adversary for Holmes and Watson. The hound's presence on the moors adds to the story's eerie and mysterious atmosphere, enhancing the overall narrative. The use of the hound as a supernatural entity underscores the story's themes of heritage, curse, and the struggle between reason and the unknown.
What breed was the Hound of Baskervilles from Sherlock Holmes? - in detail
The Hound of the Baskervilles, a legendary creature from Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's novel of the same name, is one of the most iconic and terrifying elements in the Sherlock Holmes canon. The breed of the hound, however, is not explicitly stated in the original text, leaving room for speculation and interpretation. The description provided in the novel suggests a large, fearsome, and supernatural creature, which has led to various theories about its breed.
The most common theory posits that the hound is a large, black mastiff. Mastiffs are known for their imposing size and strength, which aligns with the descriptions in the novel. The hound is described as having a "living frame of blackness" and a "matted mass of hair," characteristics that are consistent with the appearance of a mastiff. Additionally, the hound's ability to move silently and its ferocious nature are traits often associated with mastiffs, which were historically used for guarding and protection.
Another theory suggests that the hound could be a Great Dane. Great Danes are also large and powerful dogs, and their size and strength could contribute to the hound's terrifying presence. The novel describes the hound as having a "dripping muzzle" and a "slobbering jaw," which are features that could be attributed to a Great Dane. However, the Great Dane's more gentle and friendly demeanor in real life contrasts with the hound's malevolent nature as depicted in the story.
Some interpretations propose that the hound might be a St. Bernard. St. Bernards are large dogs with a thick coat of fur, which could explain the hound's "matted mass of hair." However, St. Bernards are generally known for their gentle and friendly temperament, which does not match the hound's vicious and supernatural characteristics.
It is also worth noting that the hound's supernatural attributes, such as its glowing eyes and spectral appearance, are likely more a product of folklore and legend than any specific breed. These elements were likely included to enhance the story's eerie and mysterious atmosphere, rather than to provide a precise breed identification.
In conclusion, while the exact breed of the Hound of the Baskervilles remains ambiguous, the most plausible candidates based on the novel's descriptions are the mastiff, the Great Dane, and possibly the St. Bernard. The hound's supernatural qualities, however, suggest that its breed is less important than its symbolic and narrative functions within the story. The hound's true terror lies not in its physical attributes but in the fear and superstition it inspires in the characters and readers alike.