SHADOWLANDS

Grande Talbot

An extinct 16th century dog reportedly seen in the Paris Catacombs

The talbot, occasionally known as the St. Hubert Hound, was a medieval breed of hunting hound depicted in art as a medium-sized white dog with long drooping ears, large powerful feet, and a very long curled tail. it is quite possible that the Talbot originated as heraldic icongraphy as references to this heraldic hound predate all references to a real breed of dog. The name "Talbot" may have been attributed to any large, white scent hound, eventually establishing a breed or type.

The former Tombe-Issoire quarries under the plain of Montrouge, in operation since at least the 15th century before being abandoned, are the site of the iconic Paris Catacombs; a sprawling labyrinth of the interred deceased. They are the location where this extinct breed has had several reported sightings since at least the early 1960s.

Some visitors to the catacombs report seeing an abnormally large hound with long ears and tail and a toothsome appearance. The animal is quite elusive, perhaps apprehensive of people but most report that it hovers just within line of sight and seemingly points individuals in the direction of the nearest immediate exit of the Catacombs. Carvings and paintings into the limestone walls also reportedly depict the dog in very deep and largely unexplored passages that are generally free from cave-ins or other structural damage. Perhaps as a sign of safe access or paths maintained by an unknown group.