Cŵn Annwn
"Nothing can outrun teleportation. Except perhaps a Cŵn Annwn." - Celyddon Rosser, author of Enchanted Fauna
Cŵn Annwn (Canis celeriventus) are wolf-like animals which possess a connection to Anþerwelten, although this connection has not yet been fully explored. They are related to wolves, although they are believed to be significantly smarter.
Appearance
Cŵn Annwn are lupines with mostly white fur, which is interspersed with red strands. Their large ears are also red. Their eye color ranges between yellow, orange, hazel, brown, green and blue.
Adult Cŵn Annwn can reach a shoulder height of up to 80 cm and a weight of 40-50 kg.
Habitat and Behaviour
These canids live in the forests of Britain in small packs, a lot like normal wolves. Under normal circumstances, they are relatively elusive and avoid the presence of humans. However, they can be curious if something piques their curiosity. No unprovoked attacks on humans have ever been documented.
Magic
Cŵn Annwn are capable of using some type of wind magic that allows them to run at incredible speed. In fact, Cŵn Annwn are able to run so fast that it can appear like they're teleporting. This has awarded them the record of the fastest moving creature on the planet currently known, not counting means of teleportation.
Etymology
Cŵn Annwn (pronounced "koon an-noon") are spectral hounds from Welsh mythology. They are believed to be the hunting dogs of Arawn, the king of Annwn, the Welsh Otherworld. Their howls are thought to foretell death or represent the sound of the Wild Hunt, a supernatural procession led by Arawn or other deities. However, what the people believe to be Cŵn Annwn howls may possibly be Grimhound howls.
Uses in Magic
The fur of Cŵn Annwn has magic properties and is sometimes (although rarely) used in talismans and magic wands. Due to their connection to the Anþerwelts, this can allow the wand to strengthen the caster's spells, although the wild nature of the Cŵn Annwn can make it difficult to control.
Trivia
- The Cŵn Annwn is the heraldic animal of the Wintergale family.
- Lycia Wintergale's familius is a male Cŵn Annwn named Storm.
- There are stories of Magi having a Cŵn Annwn as familius. This is quite rare and in any documented case, it was always the Cŵn Annwn who chose the companion.