Celtic Myths: Selkies, Banshees, and Leprechauns
by Celtic folklore is full of interesting creatures, unusual stories, and superstitions that still fascinate us. Some of those legends still thrive in books, novels, and modern celebrations, keeping a handful of unique Celtic myths familiar to audiences.
Scary stories and bizarre creatures abound in Celtic folklore. Many have been forgotten, but some survive with counterparts in contemporary culture. Movies like “The Secret of Roan Inish” add to our fascination with strange and wonderful myths from Ireland and Scotland.
Selkies
Half-man, half-seal, the Selkie supposedly sheds its seal skin on land — and usually changes into a beautiful woman, as the story goes. While traditions vary regarding how often they come on land, most stories include an account of someone stealing the Selkie’s skin and hiding it somewhere, forcing the Selkie to remain on land with whoever possesses it. The story often ends with selkie recovering her skin and fleeing to the sea, leaving behind her human husband and children.
Leprechauns
Who doesn’t recognize the “little green men” who guard the pot o’ gold? The St. Patrick’s Day mascot, the leprechaun legend is a familiar story. The leprechaun guards his fortune in the form of a pot o’ gold, finding a place of concealment. If spotted by a human while hiding his treasure, he uses clever tricks to prevent them from finding their way back to his hiding place.
Pookah
The gifted shape-shifter, this Irish myth is part of the faery folk, adept at changing himself into animals and enticing humans on wild (but generally harmless rides). This type of mischief-maker is popular in Irish folk tales and probably of pagan religious origin.
Banshees
The wail of the Celtic witch is synonymous with death in Celtic culture. A ghostly woman who wanders at night, the stories regarding her appearance vary — whether an unsightly hag or beautiful maiden. Her presence and signature wail signal approaching death, making her a particularly fearful figure in Celtic myth.
The legends behind Celtic stories encompass Druid practices, regional traditions, and familiar folklore from around the world. But unique figures like the selkie and banshee are still fascinating and draw our curiosity centuries after their stories were first told.
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Post CommentSarah
On December 6, 2009 at 5:38 pm
Do Leprechaun’s and Banshee’s interact in any way?