{"id":16592,"date":"2023-06-13T22:21:00","date_gmt":"2023-06-13T20:21:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/?p=16592"},"modified":"2023-10-04T12:25:04","modified_gmt":"2023-10-04T10:25:04","slug":"what-is-a-banshee","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/what-is-a-banshee\/","title":{"rendered":"What is a Banshee? Getting to the bottom of this Irish legend"},"content":{"rendered":"<style>img#mv-trellis-img-1::before{padding-top:75%; }img#mv-trellis-img-1{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-2::before{padding-top:75%; }img#mv-trellis-img-2{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-3::before{padding-top:75%; }img#mv-trellis-img-3{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-4::before{padding-top:75%; }img#mv-trellis-img-4{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-5::before{padding-top:75%; }img#mv-trellis-img-5{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-6::before{padding-top:75%; }img#mv-trellis-img-6{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-7::before{padding-top:75%; }img#mv-trellis-img-7{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-8::before{padding-top:75%; }img#mv-trellis-img-8{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-9::before{padding-top:75%; }img#mv-trellis-img-9{display:block;}<\/style>\n<p>The fascinating world of Irish mythology has been drawing people in for hundreds of years.&nbsp;<br><br>When it came to telling scary stories in our house in the South of Ireland, the Banshee was a top contender to scare the living daylights out of me.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But what is a Banshee?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This being, who is both sad and scary, tells a complicated story of Irish culture through its history.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Let us take a trip into the mysterious world of <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/irish-culture\/\">Irish and Celtic folklore<\/a><\/strong> to reveal the truth about this famous figure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>This article may contain affiliate links. If you click on one of them, we might receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you). Thanks for your support to help us keep this site running!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is a Banshee?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A Banshee is a female spirit who warns of impending death, according to Irish mythology.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>She is an important part of Irish folklore because she is often linked to certain families and her wailing can tell when a family member will die.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Imagine that in the middle of the night on an Irish island, there is a chilling scream.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This frightening sound was taken as a sure sign that death is coming.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Irish-Banshee-What-is-a-Banshee.jpg\" alt=\"Woman with wild, gray hair in the Itish countryside.\" class=\"wp-image-16596\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Irish-Banshee-What-is-a-Banshee.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Irish-Banshee-What-is-a-Banshee-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Irish-Banshee-What-is-a-Banshee-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Irish-Banshee-What-is-a-Banshee-728x546.jpg 728w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 96px), 720px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"eager\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20800%20600'%3E%3Crect%20width='800'%20height='600'%20style='fill:%23e3e3e3'\/%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" alt=\"Woman with wild, gray hair in the Itish countryside.\" class=\"wp-image-16596 eager-load\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 96px), 720px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Irish-Banshee-What-is-a-Banshee.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-1\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Irish-Banshee-What-is-a-Banshee.jpg.webp\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Irish-Banshee-What-is-a-Banshee.jpg.webp 800w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Irish-Banshee-What-is-a-Banshee-300x225.jpg.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Irish-Banshee-What-is-a-Banshee-768x576.jpg.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Irish-Banshee-What-is-a-Banshee-728x546.jpg.webp 728w\" data-svg=\"1\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>There are many descriptions of what a Banshee looks like. Most commonly they are described as old woman with long, wild hair. (This image was created with the assistance of DALL&middot;E 2)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Five Interesting Banshee Facts<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Banshee Family Connections<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Banshees have always been linked to certain families in Ireland.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>People say that their haunting cries show that they miss family members who have died.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For example, the famous Banshee Aebinn of Craglee in County Tipperary was thought to warn the O&acute;Brien family and the Dalcassian families about an impending death.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Language of the Banshee<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The origin of the word &ldquo;Banshee&rdquo; can be traced back to the Old Irish words &ldquo;ben s&iacute;de&rdquo; or &ldquo;bean s&iacute;dhe,&rdquo; which mean &ldquo;woman of the fairy mound.&rdquo;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Hair-raising Appearance of the Banshee<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Banshees can take multiple different forms.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Typically, they look like an old woman with long, flowing hair and white or gray clothes. Her eyes may or may not be red from crying.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, Banshees can also appear as a young woman, or even an animal such as a crow.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/celtic-crow-tattoo-meaning\/\"><strong>Crows<\/strong><\/a> and <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/celtic-raven-tattoo-meaning\/\">ravens<\/a><\/strong> are often associated with death in Ireland.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As well as being a symbol of the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/the-morrigan-goddess\/\">Morrigan Goddess of War and Death<\/a><\/strong>, they also signified the death of C&uacute; Cullain, one of the great Irish warriors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Morrigan-Goddess-Raven-Moon.jpg\" alt=\"Crow on a branch with moonlight. \" class=\"wp-image-14768\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Morrigan-Goddess-Raven-Moon.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Morrigan-Goddess-Raven-Moon-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Morrigan-Goddess-Raven-Moon-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Morrigan-Goddess-Raven-Moon-728x546.jpg 728w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 96px), 720px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Morrigan-Goddess-Raven-Moon.jpg.webp\" alt=\"Crow on a branch with moonlight. \" class=\"wp-image-14768 lazyload\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Morrigan-Goddess-Raven-Moon.jpg.webp 800w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Morrigan-Goddess-Raven-Moon-300x225.jpg.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Morrigan-Goddess-Raven-Moon-768x576.jpg.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Morrigan-Goddess-Raven-Moon-728x546.jpg.webp 728w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 96px), 720px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Morrigan-Goddess-Raven-Moon.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-2\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Crows, or sometimes ravans, are connected with death in Irish culture. (Photo: CloudOnePhoto via Shutterstock)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Banshees beyond Ireland<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The Banshee myth has spread beyond Ireland.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This being is known as &ldquo;bean nighe&rdquo; in Northern Ireland and parts of the Scottish Highlands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Banshee&rsquo;s History and Where It Came From<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The Banshee origins date back to about the eighth century.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As a central figure in Irish culture, her impact has been seen in many tales and folklore legends.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Banshee frequently appeared before a person&rsquo;s death and is thought to be a &ldquo;fairy woman&rdquo; or &ldquo;spirit woman.&rdquo;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Through her knowledge of life and death she warns of impending disaster.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In many cases, this makes her a symbol of death, like the Grim Reaper in other cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Origin of the Word &ldquo;Banshee&rdquo;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The word &ldquo;Banshee&rdquo; comes from the Irish &ldquo;bean s&iacute;dhe,&rdquo; which means &ldquo;woman of the fairy mound&rdquo; in Irish Gaelic.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In Scots Gaelic, she is called the &ldquo;bean-nighe&rdquo;.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It is a word that has a long and important history in the Irish language and culture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The supernatural race of the Tuatha D&eacute; Dannan became the <em>Aos s&iacute;<\/em> or Faerie-Folk according to Irish legend.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As the story goes, they retreated underground to the Otherworld when Ireland was invaded.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Even to this day, the <em>Aos s&iacute;<\/em> are connected with ancient burial mounds, hills and passage graves in Ireland.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What does a Banshee look like?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Now the story starts to get interesting.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You see, a Banshee does not look the same every time and very often they are heard and not seen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Some depictions describe her as an old woman with a veil on her face and scary red eyes from excessive crying<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Other tales depict her as a beautiful woman with long hair.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>She could also take a non-human form, which explains why she is sometimes said to be a hare or a crow.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>(This may have given rise to the misconception that the Banshee is an animal or creature.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What does a Banshee sound like?&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The cry of a Banshee is said to be wailing, bone-chilling and blood curdling.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Hearing this startling cry in the middle of the night can undoubtedly be quite terrifying!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In some cases, the Banshee screams for three nights in succession to announce the impending death of a family member.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is a Banshee scream?&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>While Irish mythology states that these wailing and crying sounds at night come from the Banshee, there may in fact be a simpler origin.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Many wild animals can make strange and unexpected noises.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Combine this with a little imagination, darkness and fear of the unknown and it is not hard to create a scary omen connected with death.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is a Banshee animal or Banshee creature?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Barn-Owl-in-flight.jpg\" alt=\"Barn Owl in flight.\" class=\"wp-image-14561\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Barn-Owl-in-flight.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Barn-Owl-in-flight-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Barn-Owl-in-flight-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Barn-Owl-in-flight-728x546.jpg 728w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 96px), 720px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Barn-Owl-in-flight.jpg.webp\" alt=\"Barn Owl in flight.\" class=\"wp-image-14561 lazyload\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Barn-Owl-in-flight.jpg.webp 800w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Barn-Owl-in-flight-300x225.jpg.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Barn-Owl-in-flight-768x576.jpg.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Barn-Owl-in-flight-728x546.jpg.webp 728w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 96px), 720px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Barn-Owl-in-flight.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-3\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>The wings of a Barn Owl help dampen the noises it makes in flight, but they can make loud screech sounds. (Photo: Krasula via Shutterstock)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The Barn Owl, for example, has long been thought to be the origin of the sound of the Banshee.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/owls-ireland\/\">Barn Owls can fly slightly<\/a><\/strong> to surprise their prey.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Many people are surprised to hear that they can also make a range of high pitched wails and cries.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is particularly true of the younger chicks, who are left alone at night while the parents return to the nest with food for them.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The unnerving sound of the chicks is said to be similar to the cry of the Banshee.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Other animals could also have helped to contribute to the legend of the Banshee as we know it.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Hares have long been associated with the Otherworld and witchcraft in Celtic mythology.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Witches were supposed to be able to transform into the form of a hare and to kill one is thought to be unlucky.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While hares are typically not very vocal, they can emit a high pitched cry when startled or injured.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Female foxes, known as vixen, can also make a bone tingling cry.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is most common in January or February, when they are ready to mate.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Banshee-hare-witchcraft.jpg\" alt=\"An Irish Moutain Hare \" class=\"wp-image-16600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Banshee-hare-witchcraft.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Banshee-hare-witchcraft-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Banshee-hare-witchcraft-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Banshee-hare-witchcraft-728x546.jpg 728w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 96px), 720px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Banshee-hare-witchcraft.jpg.webp\" alt=\"An Irish Moutain Hare \" class=\"wp-image-16600 lazyload\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Banshee-hare-witchcraft.jpg.webp 800w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Banshee-hare-witchcraft-300x225.jpg.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Banshee-hare-witchcraft-768x576.jpg.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Banshee-hare-witchcraft-728x546.jpg.webp 728w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 96px), 720px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Banshee-hare-witchcraft.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-4\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>An Irish Moutain Hare (Photo: Ben Whitley via Shutterstock)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What does Keening mean?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The way a Banshee wails is not like any other scream. It is also called &ldquo;keening.&rdquo;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The word &ldquo;keening&rdquo; comes from the Old Irish culture and refers to a ferocious, somber wailing for the dead.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary says that keening is a noun that refers to the act of lamenting.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The word &ldquo;keen&rdquo; comes from the Old English word &ldquo;c&#275;ned&rdquo; and the Middle English word &ldquo;kene,&rdquo; which mean &ldquo;sharp&rdquo; or &ldquo;intense.&rdquo;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Keening is not just about grief. It is a very old and sad form of art in Irish culture and has long been connected with <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/irish-wake\/\">Irish wakes for the dead<\/a> <\/strong>and<strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/irish-blessings-funeral\/\">Irish Funerals<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In the same way, the old German word &ldquo;kuoni,&rdquo; which means &ldquo;brave,&rdquo; alludes to the courage it takes to mourn openly.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It is also thought to mean &ldquo;wild&rdquo;, which can be connected to letting go of one&rsquo;s emotions and grieving openly.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This kind of loud wailing is not just for people who are sad.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It is a way to express a wide range of deep feelings, from longing to regret. It is a way to show how deeply you feel without opting for <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/irish-prayer-for-the-dead\/\">prayers for the dead<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Origins of Keening<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/brigid-goddess\/\">Irish Goddess Brigid of Fire and Healing<\/a><\/strong> is said to have started the tradition of keening.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>After the death of her son, Ruad&aacute;n, she mourned using this high pitched wailing sound.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is the Banshee meaning?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>At its core, the Banshee is a powerful sign of impending death.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Her look and, especially, her wail show that death is close.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But she is more than just a sign of bad things to come.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>She also shows how closely the Irish people are tied to their rich folklore and mythology.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Spiritual Meaning of Banshee<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Candles-for-Beltane.jpg\" alt=\"Candles in a woodland area at night. \" class=\"wp-image-14112\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Candles-for-Beltane.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Candles-for-Beltane-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Candles-for-Beltane-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Candles-for-Beltane-728x546.jpg 728w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 96px), 720px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Candles-for-Beltane.jpg.webp\" alt=\"Candles in a woodland area at night. \" class=\"wp-image-14112 lazyload\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Candles-for-Beltane.jpg.webp 800w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Candles-for-Beltane-300x225.jpg.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Candles-for-Beltane-768x576.jpg.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Candles-for-Beltane-728x546.jpg.webp 728w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 96px), 720px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Candles-for-Beltane.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-5\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Candles in a woodland area at night. (Photo: ju_see via Shutterstock)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The Banshee is important spiritually as well as in the physical world.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In Irish culture, she shows how close the world of the living is to the world of the dead.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Her wail serves as a link between these two worlds in addition to being a warning of physical death.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Banshees in Irish Culture and Irish History<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The Banshee is a legendary figure in Irish Gaelic folklore and mythology.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Banshee is not just confined to Irish culture.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>She is also a part of Celtic mythology and features in Scottish culture, where she is called &ldquo;ban sith&rdquo; or &ldquo;bean nighe&rdquo; and associated with a washer woman figure.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>(The famous Scottish poet, Sir Walter Scott wrote about the &ldquo;fairy spectre,&rdquo; capturing her creepy beauty in writing.)&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, the importance of the Banshee and her connection to Ireland is still unmatched.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Banshee stories have been passed down through generations in a lot of families, especially those with Irish roots.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">My Personal Family Banshee Story<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Spooky-landscape-Northern-Ireland.jpg\" alt=\"Quiet county lane at dusk with creepy atmosphere.\" class=\"wp-image-16604\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Spooky-landscape-Northern-Ireland.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Spooky-landscape-Northern-Ireland-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Spooky-landscape-Northern-Ireland-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Spooky-landscape-Northern-Ireland-728x546.jpg 728w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 96px), 720px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Spooky-landscape-Northern-Ireland.jpg.webp\" alt=\"Quiet county lane at dusk with creepy atmosphere.\" class=\"wp-image-16604 lazyload\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Spooky-landscape-Northern-Ireland.jpg.webp 800w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Spooky-landscape-Northern-Ireland-300x225.jpg.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Spooky-landscape-Northern-Ireland-768x576.jpg.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Spooky-landscape-Northern-Ireland-728x546.jpg.webp 728w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 96px), 720px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Spooky-landscape-Northern-Ireland.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-6\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Strange noises at night can easily make the imagination run wild! (Photo: Smolina Mariann via Shutterstock)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>In my family, there was once a funny Banshee story.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>One night, my Grand Uncle recalled being scared witless when he heard footsteps following him at night.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When he stopped walking, the footsteps stopped too.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>He waited to hear a scream, but nothing happened.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Then all of a sudden he felt something wet and cold touch his hand. It was not a Banshee thankfully, but a stray dog.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Cl&iacute;odna the Queen of the Banshees<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The ancient Irish race from which many of the Gods and Goddesses descended is known as the Tuatha D&eacute; Dannan or the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/danu-goddess\/\">people of the Goddess Danu<\/a><\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They place the Banshee as a central figure in their mythology.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Cl&iacute;odna (or sometimes spelled as Cleena) is said to be the Queen of the Banshees of the Tuatha D&eacute; Dannan.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>She is strongly connected with <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/cork-ireland\/\">County Cork<\/a><\/strong>, especially Carrigcleena near Mallow in North Cork, where she rules over the fairies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">&Aacute;ine the Irish Goddess of the Fairies<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Cattle-in-a-stone-circle-Ireland.jpg\" alt=\"A stone circle close to Lough Gur in Limerick.\" class=\"wp-image-14104\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Cattle-in-a-stone-circle-Ireland.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Cattle-in-a-stone-circle-Ireland-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Cattle-in-a-stone-circle-Ireland-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Cattle-in-a-stone-circle-Ireland-728x546.jpg 728w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 96px), 720px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Cattle-in-a-stone-circle-Ireland.jpg.webp\" alt=\"A stone circle close to Lough Gur in Limerick.\" class=\"wp-image-14104 lazyload\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Cattle-in-a-stone-circle-Ireland.jpg.webp 800w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Cattle-in-a-stone-circle-Ireland-300x225.jpg.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Cattle-in-a-stone-circle-Ireland-768x576.jpg.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Cattle-in-a-stone-circle-Ireland-728x546.jpg.webp 728w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 96px), 720px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Cattle-in-a-stone-circle-Ireland.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-7\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>A stone circle close to Lough Gur in Limerick that is connected with the Goddess &Aacute;ine. (Photo: Pierre Leclerc via Shutterstock)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The Goddess &Aacute;ine of Summer is strongly associated with Cnoc &Aacute;ine or Knockainey Hill in County Limerick.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is thought to have been a fairy hill and was part of the midsummer rituals.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>(Discover more about &Aacute;ine and the rituals in our complete guide to this <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/aine-goddess\/\">Fairy Goddess of Summer<\/a><\/strong>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Some legends even go as far as saying that <a href=\"https:\/\/www.libraryireland.com\/SocialHistoryAncientIreland\/II-V-9.php\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">&Aacute;ine was in fact a Banshee<\/a>, but this is not certain.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Banshees in Popular Culture<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The Banshee has made her way into pop culture, from the pages of comic books to the big screens of Hollywood.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>She has been in movies, TV shows, and even video games, where she is usually shown as a scary figure with a loud scream.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>In the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/harry-potter-ireland\/\">Harry Potter book<\/a><\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/harry-potter-ireland\/\"><strong>s<\/strong><\/a>, Professor Lupin talks about banshees in his Defense Against the Dark Arts class. The <a href=\"https:\/\/harrypotter.fandom.com\/wiki\/Banshee\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Laughing Potion<\/a> is a good way to protect yourself from banshees. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>A Banshee is a type of enemy in the &ldquo;Mass Effect&rdquo; video game series.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>The animated show &ldquo;Gargoyles&rdquo; has a character named Banshee who is a Child of Oberon.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>In the world of Marvel Comics, there is a superhero named Banshee, played by Sean Cassidy, who is a mutant who can use a sonic scream.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Banshees are also featured in numerous video games, such as &ldquo;World of Warcraft&rdquo; and &ldquo;The Witcher&rdquo;.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>The word &ldquo;banshee&rdquo; is used in <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/star-wars-ireland\/\">Star Wars as a metaphor<\/a><\/strong>. Qui-Gon Jinn calls the podracer Anakin Skywalker is going to race a &ldquo;banshee&rdquo; in &ldquo;Star Wars: Episode I: The Phantom Menace.&rdquo; This is likely because the podracer makes loud, wailing sounds like the mythical banshee.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>&ldquo;Banshee&rdquo; was the name of a TV show that ran from 2013 to 2016 on Cinemax. Banshee is a town, though, and the ghostly Irish woman has nothing to do with it.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Banshee in <em>The Banshees of Inisherin<\/em><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Even though the movie is called <a href=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/the-banshees-of-inisherin-filming-locations-ireland\/\"><strong><em>The Banshees of Inisherin<\/em><\/strong><\/a>, it does not have any real banshees like the ones in Irish folklore.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But the movie has a theme of impending death, which is represented by the banshee.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A song written by the character Colm, who is played by Brendan Gleeson, who is also a real-life fiddle player and wrote the song, adds to this theme.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Mrs. McCormack, played by Sheila Flitton, acts like a banshee because she can predict deaths.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This gives the banshee theme of the movie another layer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">FAQs on the Irish Banshee<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Fairy-Mist-in-Ireland.jpg\" alt=\"A still, foggy morning in Ireland. \" class=\"wp-image-16608\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Fairy-Mist-in-Ireland.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Fairy-Mist-in-Ireland-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Fairy-Mist-in-Ireland-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Fairy-Mist-in-Ireland-728x546.jpg 728w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 96px), 720px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Fairy-Mist-in-Ireland.jpg.webp\" alt=\"A still, foggy morning in Ireland. \" class=\"wp-image-16608 lazyload\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Fairy-Mist-in-Ireland.jpg.webp 800w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Fairy-Mist-in-Ireland-300x225.jpg.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Fairy-Mist-in-Ireland-768x576.jpg.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Fairy-Mist-in-Ireland-728x546.jpg.webp 728w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 96px), 720px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Fairy-Mist-in-Ireland.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-8\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>A still, foggy morning in Ireland. (Photo: iised93 via Shutterstock)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What does the word &lsquo;Banshee&rsquo; mean?&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The word &ldquo;Banshee&rdquo; comes from the Irish Gaelic word &ldquo;bean s&iacute;dhe,&rdquo; which means &ldquo;woman of the fairy mound.&rdquo;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What does a Banshee look like?&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A Banshee can look like an old woman, a pretty young woman, or even a crow. She is often shown with long hair and white or gray clothes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is the purpose of the Banshee&rsquo;s scream?&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The scream of a Banshee acts as a warning of impending death in a family.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Where is the Banshee from?&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The origins of Banshees are not very clear.&nbsp;Certainly there is a long history of Banshees in Irish folklore (probably since the 8th century), as well as Celtic folklore.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is a Banshee animal?&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A banshee is not usually depicted as an animal. In most cases she appears in the form of an old or young woman with wild ragged hair.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There however are some tales that describe the Banshee in the form of an animal.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is most often in the form of a hare or a crow.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Given the animal sounds such as that of the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/owls-ireland\/\">Barn Owl<\/a><\/strong> are likely to have inspired the cry of the Banshee, this is not very surprising.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Whom do Banshees visit?&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Banshees can visit anyone. They are most often linked to certain Irish families and are said to show up when someone in that family is about to die.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What does a Banshee do to its victims?&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Banshees do not hurt people in an obvious way.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Instead, through her wail, she predicts the impending death of a family member.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Is a Banshee evil?&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>No, not necessarily. Even though it is linked to death, a banshee is more of a prophet than a bad spirit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is the Banshee scream called?&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The Banshee scream is called &ldquo;keening,&rdquo; which is an Irish word for a traditional vocal lament for the dead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is the myth of the Banshee?&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The Banshee is a figure from Irish folklore. She is a female spirit whose sad cry warns of the death of a family member.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How does one become a Banshee?&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In mythology, a woman who dies a tragic death can turn into a Banshee, though the details of this change from story to story.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Full-moon-banshee-Ireland.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-16612\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Full-moon-banshee-Ireland.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Full-moon-banshee-Ireland-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Full-moon-banshee-Ireland-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Full-moon-banshee-Ireland-728x546.jpg 728w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 96px), 720px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Full-moon-banshee-Ireland.jpg.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-16612 lazyload\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Full-moon-banshee-Ireland.jpg.webp 800w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Full-moon-banshee-Ireland-300x225.jpg.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Full-moon-banshee-Ireland-768x576.jpg.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Full-moon-banshee-Ireland-728x546.jpg.webp 728w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 96px), 720px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Full-moon-banshee-Ireland.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-9\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>The full moon has always been associated with the Otherworld, fairies and magic in Celtic culture. (Photo: pashabo via Shutterstock)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Are Banshees real?&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Irish mythology and folklore talk about banshees. Even though they are important to culture, there is no scientific proof that they exist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It is likely that they were inspired by the calls of wild animals at night.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Can a human be a Banshee?&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Some stories say that a woman who dies in a tragic or violent way can turn into a Banshee.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What does it mean if you hear a Banshee?&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you believe in Irish mythology, then hearing a Banshee&rsquo;s wail means the impending death of a family member in the near future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What powers does a Banshee have?&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If the banshee were a superhero, her powers would be a bit lame.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The main source of a banshee&rsquo;s power is her wailing or keening, which is a sign that a death in the family is about to occur.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Banshee Mythology and Folklore<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The Banshee is a symbol of the rich tapestry of Irish folklore and not just a sign of death.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They are also important to understanding how the Irish feel about death, family, and the spirit world.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Their cries, heard by family members who are about to lose a loved one, are a hauntingly personal link between the everyday and the otherworldly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When you hear the word &ldquo;Banshee&rdquo; again, remember that it is more than just a scary story.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It is a window into the heart of Irish culture and a key to the wonderful world of <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/category\/celtic\/\">Celtic mythology<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The fascinating world of Irish mythology has been drawing people in for hundreds of years.&nbsp; When it came to telling scary stories in our house in the South of Ireland, &hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":16596,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":"","disable-in-feed":false,"article-schema-type":"","disable-critical-css":false},"categories":[90],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v21.5 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>What is a Banshee? 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