some versions of the church grim state that seeing it is an omen of death (including a specific 3 legged lamb version which forewarns of a child's death) but generally, the grim is a protector figure. hence why the Hound is really just the best boi. 4/4

so that a human wouldn't be stuck in this situation, a large black dog would often be buried first, usually under the cornerstone of the church, under the altar, or in the northern edge of the graveyard. the dog would then help guide spirits to the other side and protect the graveyard. 3/4

per some English/Scandinavian Christian folklore, the first person buried in a new church's graveyard would either not be able to find their way across or would be responsible for protecting the graveyard against the devil. 2/4

such lovely subtle coloring and texture

i love these! especially the composition on the first one and the cooking knight

he got into the decorations but he's doing his best

wait I love this