Celtic Mythology: The Banshee

One of the most well know players in Celtic mythology, the Banshee is linked to death and mourning. The sound of her wailing is said to signify a recent death or to foretell of a forthcoming one. The name is derived from the word bean-sidhe which translates into fairy woman or spirit woman. She is generally depicted as a fair haired woman with an incorporeal appearance.

Variations of the Story: In original Mythology, the story went that the banshee was a fairy woman who would appear and sing a mournful song at a funeral. Later variations of the tale say that she was not a fairy, but rather the spirit of a murdered woman who would shriek and howl a mournful note to predict an oncoming death. It is said the the banshee will walk around the outside of a house when someone inside is about to die. Most stories describe the banshee as wearing white, but some place her in garments of red or green. Also she is depicted in some variations as brushing her long hair with a silver comb. The comb itself is a mythical theme in old Irish culture, as the story is told that if you find a comb lying about, do not pick it up because it was left by a mermaid or banshee, depending on the story, to lure unsuspecting humans into a trap. In most versions of the banshee story, she is not an evil spirit,she does not set out to harm people, but she is the bearer of bad news.

The Banshee in Other Cultures: Welsh lore tells the story of the cyoeraeth, or the hag of the mist, which is very similar to the Celtic Banshee; Often seen at the edge of a stream as the mist rises, her shriek tells of coming misfortune. In some parts of the British realm mermaids were thought to be omens of impending doom, while their Greek counterparts the Sirens were known for their song and their association with death and misfortune.

The Banshee story is a very interesting one and for that reason has remained a part of popular culture around the world appearing in popular television, movies, music, and comics. The story is old, but still finds an audience with anyone interested in mysticism and lore.