What happened to the Baskerville dog? - briefly
The Baskerville dog, famously known as the Hound of the Baskervilles, is a fictional creature from Arthur Conan Doyle's novel. The hound was ultimately revealed to be a large, savage dog used by the villain to terrorize the Baskerville family.
What happened to the Baskerville dog? - in detail
The Baskerville dog, often referred to as the Hound of the Baskervilles, is a central figure in Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's novel "The Hound of the Baskervilles." This mysterious and terrifying creature is said to haunt the moors of Dartmoor in Devon, England, and is central to the plot of the story. The legend of the hound is deeply rooted in the history of the Baskerville family, who have long been plagued by the supernatural beast.
The tale begins with the Baskerville family curse, which states that a spectral hound will pursue and kill the male heirs of the Baskerville line. This curse has been passed down through generations, striking fear into the hearts of the family members. The most recent victim is Sir Charles Baskerville, who is found dead on the moors, with the footprints of a gigantic hound nearby. This event sets the stage for the investigation led by Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson.
The Baskerville dog is described as a monstrous, supernatural entity, with glowing eyes and a terrifying appearance. It is said to be the size of a calf and possesses an uncanny ability to move silently across the moors. The legend of the hound is so deeply ingrained in the local folklore that many residents of the area believe in its existence and live in constant fear of encountering it.
However, as the story unfolds, it becomes clear that the Baskerville dog is not a supernatural entity but a cleverly orchestrated deception. The true mastermind behind the hound is revealed to be Rodger Baskerville, Sir Charles's nephew and the rightful heir to the Baskerville estate. Rodger, driven by greed and a desire for revenge, uses a large, trained dog, possibly a mastiff, to terrorize the family and claim the inheritance. He employs various tactics, including the use of phosphorous to create the illusion of glowing eyes, to enhance the hound's terrifying appearance.
The investigation by Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson uncovers the truth behind the Baskerville dog. They discover that Rodger Baskerville has been using the legend of the hound to his advantage, manipulating events to ensure that he inherits the estate. The final confrontation takes place on the moors, where Holmes and Watson confront Rodger and expose his scheme. The hound, though a real animal, is ultimately defeated, and the curse of the Baskerville family is lifted.
In summary, the Baskerville dog is a product of both local legend and a carefully planned deception. The creature, though terrifying in appearance, is revealed to be a trained animal used by Rodger Baskerville to achieve his nefarious goals. The story of the Baskerville dog serves as a testament to the power of superstition and the lengths to which individuals will go to achieve their desires.