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Revision as of 21:43, 28 August 2007 by Admin (talk | contribs) (New page: The '''Gytrash''' is a spectral animal known in northern England to haunt lonely roads and lead people astray. In some parts of Lincolnshire and Yorkshire the gytrash was known as the 'Sh...)
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The Gytrash is a spectral animal known in northern England to haunt lonely roads and lead people astray.

In some parts of Lincolnshire and Yorkshire the gytrash was known as the 'Shagfoal'.

It appears in the shape of a horse, a mule, or a dog with eyes that glowed like burning coals. In this form the beast was believed to be purely malevolent.

They are usually feared, but they can also be benevolent, guiding lost travelers to the right road.

Quote

As this horse approached, and as I watched for it to appear through the dusk, I remembered certain of Bessie's tales, wherein figured a North-of-England spirit called a "Gytrash," which, in the form of horse, mule, or large dog, haunted solitary ways, and sometimes came upon belated travellers, as this horse was now coming upon me.
It was very near, but not yet in sight; when, in addition to the tramp, tramp, I heard a rush under the hedge, and close down by the hazel stems glided a great dog, whose black and white colour made him a distinct object against the trees. It was exactly one form of Bessie's Gytrash -- a lion-like creature with long hair and a huge head [...], with strange pretercanine eyes [...]. The horse followed, -- a tall steed [...]. Nothing ever rode the Gytrash: it was always alone [...].

Excerpt from 'Charlotte Brontë's Jane Eyre, chapter xii'