Irish Myths Part 1#

A Banshee (bean-sidhe) is a fairy like creature bearing the image of a woman. Tradition states that she visits certain Irish families to forewarn of an impending death.

It is believed the Banshee brings the warning in a form of either a repetitive knock on the window or a deadly screeching cry. But the frightening sounds are only audible to certain families, families bearing the surnames: O’Neill, O’Brien, O’Connor, O’Grady and Kavanaghs. 

The Banshee is seen to wear either a grey, hooded cloak or a long winding sheet, guises representing either, a young woman or an old hag.

But it isn’t always how she looks which distinguishes the Banshee from other fairies and witches. The Banshee is probably more feared for her deathly screech in the dead of night than her mystical visions.

If you speak to any older member of the Irish community (from which I have heard many a tale) they will be quick to tell you, The Banshee is not an experience one would ever like to encounter. And many a tale can be told of imminent death’s after the cry of the Banshee has been heard. You have been warned.