The Banshee (pronounced /ˈbænʃiː/, BAN-shee), from the Irish bean sí ("woman of the síde" or "woman of the fairy mounds") is a female spirit in Irish mythology, usually seen as an omen of death and a messenger from the Otherworld. Her Scottish counterpart is the bean shìth (also spelled bean-shìdh).

The aos sí (people of the mounds, people of peace) are variously believed to be the survivals of pre-Christian Gaelic deities, spirits of nature, or the ancestors. Some Theosophists and Celtic Christians have referred to the aos sí as "fallen angels". They are commonly referred to in English as "fairies", and the banshee can also be described as a "fairy woman".

The bean-sidhe (woman of the fairy) may be an ancestral spirit appointed to forewarn members of certain ancient Irish families of their time of death. According to tradition, the banshee can only cry for five major Irish families: the O'Neills, the O'Briens, the O'Connors, the O'Gradys and the Kavanaghs. Intermarriage has since extended this select list.

Whatever her origins, the banshee chiefly appears in one of three guises: a young woman, a stately matron or a raddled old hag. These represent the triple aspects of the Celtic goddess of war and death, namely Badhbh, Macha and Mor-Rioghain.) She usually wears either a grey, hooded cloak or the winding sheet or grave robe of the unshriven dead. She may also appear as a washer-woman, and is seen apparently washing the blood stained clothes of those who are about to die. In this guise she is known as the bean-nighe (washing woman).

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(2 years and 304 days ago)

6 Comments

Banshee

ponti55 says:

Very, very nice, good job! Reply »

(2 years and 304 days ago)

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Tuckinator says:

very nice Reply »

(2 years and 304 days ago)

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Nator says:

Looks great. Maybe just a little more contrast. IMO. Reply »

(2 years and 303 days ago)

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Giggles says:

Pretty nice mood...maybe remove some of the highlights on the face and the body... Reply »

(2 years and 303 days ago)

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akasha says:

quite a story this Irish myth! and nice result Reply »

(2 years and 303 days ago)

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chakra1985 says:

very nice Reply »

(2 years and 302 days ago)

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