Creatures of the Night: Banshees

Bunworth Banshee, Fairy Legends and Traditions of the South of Ireland by Thomas Crofton Croker, 1825

The following is the third entry in Creatures of the Night Season 2.

Halloween creatures get their origins from cultures all around the world, each holding a mysterious and captivating history that has forged its way through generations. On the misty shores of Ireland, one terrifying creature stills the hearts of families all over the island as an omen of death. This is the legendary Banshee.

The Banshee gets its origin from Irish folk legends. They first appeared in the 8th century, and are based on the tradition of women or “keeners,” singing a sorrowful song to lament the death of a loved one. These women were considered by many within the community to be sinners, as they sometimes accepted alcohol as payment for their singing. Once they died, it was said they were destined to become Banshees.

According to legend, the Banshee is supposed to appear as a pale woman with long, red hair. Alternately, they may be wearing a silver dress with silver hair, or have frightening red or white eyes. Some legends, make note that banshees dress in green. On point of agreement in the legends is that the scream of the Banshee is an omen of death. They are also called “caoine,” which means keening, and are seen as a warning of immediate death in the family. Each family is known to have its own banshee.

The Banshee can be a somewhat mixed bag, depending on those that they interact with. Sometimes, the Banshee is only sent as a friendly reminder that death is imminent. This is to prepare the family and allow them to say their goodbyes. Other legends depict the creature with hateful red eyes that, if gazed into directly, can kill instantly. Others describe a creature with a scream that can shatter the souls of the living.

Irish folklore also suggests that some banshees have more evil origins. Some are known to delight in taking life, and actively seek out their victims. Once they have caught their prey they wail their ghostly howl to the point of driving those in contact to the point of suicide or insanity. Others are known to skip the cat and mouse routine and instead tear their victims to shreds where they stand.

What about their seemingly otherworldly knowledge of death before it arrives? The source of the banshee’s knowledge of death is unknown; however, many believe that the banshee is so respected and feared by families because its knowledge comes from the family’s belief. The faith in the spirit by a grandparent might just get unbelieving family members an unwelcomed surprise when their time comes.

Modern literature and pop culture plays on the idea of the evil banshee rather than the kind, silent omen of death. In more popular stories. the ideas of shredding and screaming take the forefront of their purpose. The legend of the banshee has stood the test of time for generations. Keep looking over your shoulder this Halloween season. You never know who might be waiting in the woods to deliver a timely message.