MovieChat Forums > The Omen (1976) Discussion > What does the black dog mean ?

What does the black dog mean ?


Anyone knows?

The representative of Devil ?

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Its meant to be a protector for Damien.

Interestingly (and likely deliberately) that particular breed was/is, according to Greek legend, used to guard the doors to Hell!

Now the question is: Do the dogs keep people in....or keep people out?!




I'd say this cloud is Cumulo Nimbus.
Didn't he discover America?
Penfold, shush.

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I think the answer is clear, is in , in the hell

Devil always want people to die (usual results always shown in films)

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Rottweilers were guard dogs for the gates of Hell in Greek legend?

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I thought the dog was Cerberus, but i thought Cerberus was supposed to have three heads?

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You're right, Cerberus did have three heads (and I've never seen his breed specified).

By the way, did anyone else think the dog was cute? The close-up of his eyes after the first nanny's suicide -- what a soft, adorable face!



"You seem a decent fellow. I hate to kill you."
"You seem a decent fellow. I hate to die."

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It was a beautiful dog, but looked absolutely terrifying like everything else in this film. Did the dog have a name in the film novel?

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No, not to my recollection.


I'd say this cloud is Cumulo Nimbus.
Didn't he discover America?
Penfold, shush.

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Damien was protected by what is called a "familiar spirit" and in this case it took the form of a dog. In the sequel, it took the form of a raven. Bascially they are demons sent by Satan to protect and guide his son on Earth.

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I think it's supposed to be the 'Hounds of Hell' scenario.

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I don't know, but I found out what people mean by down and out...

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Hey -- now I've got Jimmy Page's guitar playing in my head. Thank you!



"You seem a decent fellow. I hate to kill you."
"You seem a decent fellow. I hate to die."

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I thought he was a hell hound:)

"Whoa, Summers, you drive like a spaz!"

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[deleted]

either Cerberus, or just a hell hound

or what Stephen King later will call a 'Cujo'

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I've had two black dogs, and they were both sweet and gentle. No way either of them would have gone over to the Devil.

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We don't like each other, but for what you said about your dogs, I like you...a little. ♥
🐈‍⬛​ 🐈‍⬛ ​🐈‍⬛​
These black cats constantly cross my path, nothing bad ever happened.
Schwarze Katze von links nach rechts bringt was schlecht's. (old saying)
NOT true!...black cats even seem a little easier to care for...'light-hearted'.
One of them is the funniest tomcat ever, despite having some of the worst experiences ever.

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