MONSTERS, CRYPTIDS AND SUPERNATURAL CREATURES
BANSHEE
Bean Sí, Ben Síde, Bean Sidhe, Ben Sith
The banshee is a female spirit from Irish folklore who heralds death with her wailing and keening. Although in more modern tales she is a general harbinger of death or an evil spirit that hunts and kills her victims with her terrifying screams or red-eyed stare, she is actually bound to the descendants of the pure Milesian stock of Ireland (surnames prefixed with O' and Mac), and it is even said that each family has its own banshee. She is connected to the mounds of earth scattered about the Irish countryside, that are known as Tumuli. These Tumuli traditionally covered graves and were said to be home to spirits of the dead. She can appear in many forms, ranging from a sweet singing virgin, to a withered hag, however no sooner than she is spotted, she will vanish into a cloud of mist, which is accompanied by a noise akin to that of a birds flapping its wings. Although she is closely linked to death, the Banshees does not herself cause death, but only serve as a warning of its approach. There are tales of her throughout history, where she appears throughout Ireland and Scotland, even with references to her in Norman litrature
Physiology:
Over the centuries, the Banshee has been known to appear in many forms, such as: A beautiful young virgin whom sings sweetly, a pale woman in a white dress with long red hair, a headless woman carrying a bowl of blood that is naked from the waist up or an old woman with a veil covering her face. Her size seems to differ between regional account with some claiming she is unnaturally tall and others describing her as a diminutive figure, which ties in more with her being a fairy creature.
Etylmology:
The name Banshee comes from the old Irish Ben Side, which means Woman of the fairy mound, Woman of the Fairies or Fairy woman.
History:
Accounts of Banshees can be found as far back as 1380 within the publication of the Cathreim Thoirdhealbhaigh (Triumphs of Torlough) which was written by Sean mac Craith. They are also Mentions of them within various Norman literature of that same time period.
Territory:
Ireland
Origination:
The origins of the Banshee trace back to the 8th century and are said to focus about the tradition of women known as "Keeners" whom would sing sorrowful songs to lament the death of somebody. These unfortunate women would accept payment in alcohol and thus were regarded as sinners whose punishment was to become a Banshee following the event of their own death. Other Irish mythology suggests the Banshee is the ghost of a young girl whom suffered a brutal death and her spirit remains to warn family members that a violent death is imminent.
Nature:
Not all Banshees are the same and the reason for their existence can vary depending on their former life. There are those that appear as hate-filled creatures, whom almost seem to gloat over a death, yet there are also accounts of those whom appear saddened by the loss,possibly having strong ties to the families in life and continuing to watch over them in death.
Modus Operandi:
The Banshee will always appear alone, when the imminent death of a family member approaches. Depending on how the individual will die, they can appear up to several days before with their wailing and clapping heard throughout. Some will lament and sing sorrowful only for the ears of those whom are about to pass.
Vulnerability:
As the Banshee is usually seen as an omen and messenger of death and not the cause, it is not inhenrently evil and therfore possibly uneffected by religious icons. However it is part of the fairy host and would probably be suseptible to the same vulnerabilities as other fae, such as iron objects or celtic/gaelic spells and charms. However, It is said that merely catching sight of a Banshee is enough to cause her to dispurse in to a mist accompanied by the flutter of wings, so would any hostile measures even be necessary against something that is simply attempting to prepare the unfortunate individual for the journey ahead?