Banshees are celtic fae called Bean-Sidhe, which means woman of the fairy mound. Banshees are fae folk, in Irish folklore they are known for their wailing that happens before someone dies. They are sometimes found washing bloody clothes in the river which is another sign of death. They are seen as either old woman surrounded in mist or a beautiful noblewoman. Scottish mythology unlike Irish sees the banshee as outside the victims window. They are thought to be able to transform into a crow. Some classify them as a fairy others as a spirit.
These entities are first known around 8th century bc though grew popularity in 15th century bc.
Belief holds that the bief in banshes started due to the ancient tradition of keeping. Which is where women would wail and weep for the dead, these are so called bean chaointe. These entities were just beings that grieved death though evolved into a being that caused death.
There are two types of banshees the kind ones with a soft chant or song or the hateful ones who scream and howl. If you see a banshee no matter the type that means you or loved one dies soon. Some legends say these banshees are spirits of young women who died a horrible death. An old superstition is that each member of the family had a being that watched and reported to the banshees of the impending death.
Whether good or bad, young or old, beautiful or ugly the banshee is one of the most intriguing entities there are.
Sources:
https://www.celtic-weddingrings.com/celtic-mythology/legend-of-the-banshee
https://otherworldlyoracle.com/fairies-mythology-irish-banshee-leanan-sidhe/
https://mythology.net/mythical-creatures/banshee/
http://www.mythencyclopedia.com/Ar-Be/Banshee.html
https://www.gods-and-monsters.com/banshee-mythology.html
https://www.ancient-origins.net/myths-legends/wailing-out-lament-filled-legends-and-origins-irish-banshees-007244
https://www.meanwhileinireland.com/what-is-a-banshee-the-story-of-irelands-terrifying-spirit/
https://www.irelandbeforeyoudie.com/the-irish-banshee-the-history-of-this-infamous-irish-ghost/
Comment