Banshee

The banshee in Irish mythology is derived from the Gaelic bean-sidhe (Mod. Ir. "bean sí"), meaning "spirit woman". They are remnants of the Tuatha de Danaan. Traditionally some Irish families had a banshee associated with them, and the banshee might make an appearance before a death in the family. The banshee is particularly well known for a mournful cry or wail by which this death is heralded. Some traditions distinguish between seeing and hearing the banshee; hearing of this "banshee's wail" as predicting a death in the family, and seeing the banshee portents one's own death. She is invariably dressed in white, with long fair hair which she brushes with a silver comb.

Banshee's were common in Irish folk stories such as those written down by Herminie T. Kavanagh. They enjoy the same mythical status in Ireland as fairies and leprechauns.

In other cultures, the banshee is also known as Bloody Mary Worth and La Llorona.

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia licensed under GNU free documentation license.

Irish Wonders: The Ghosts, Giants, Pookas, Demons, Leprechawns, Banshees, Fairies, Witches, Widows, Old Maids & Other Marvels of Emerald Isle
by: D.R. McAnally, H.R. Heaton
Book Description
Celtic lore holds a wealth of colorful characters beyond the famed leprechaun. And this gathering of late 19th century traditional folk tales brings together the best of the Emerald Isle's fabled denizens. The Banshee, Satan's Cloven Hoof, The Henpecked Giant, and—of course—The Leprechaun, all weave their spellbinding magic in the classic tradition of Irish storytelling in the pages of enchanting treasury.

irish lore image