Banshee comes from the Irish Gaelic words “bean” for woman and “sidhe” for fairy. The Banshee of Ireland began as one of the fairy people of the spirit world, found in the fairy mounds. Over time, the story of the Banshee morphed into the story of a woman keening or wailing in warning of a person’s death. The Banshee is also said to be the ghost of a murdered woman or a woman who died in childbirth and not given a proper burial. Historically, only certain Irish families had earned this honor, but through intermarriage, many families are now given this honor.
Banshees are said to be shape-shifters, so there are many appearances they might take. Some have seen a beautiful, young woman while others have seen an ugly old hag. She is typically clothed in a dark colored robe and cloak. She may also take the form of a large number of animals associated with witchcraft, especially owls, wolves, and dogs. The Banshee’s form is not always seen, but the scream or wail may be heard from the dark depths of the forests. Banshees and mermaids have both been known to leave silver combs upon the ground, in the hopes of luring an unsuspecting victim into picking it up. The victim will be spirited away.
It is said that the Banshee’s scream is a warning to allow one to get his or her affairs in order. When several Banshees appear at once, it indicates the death of a well-respected person. The first night the moan will only be heard by the person who is to die. The second day, the family may hear the wail an hour before midnight. The shriek on the final night will announce to all that a death will occur.
In the Ulster Cycle, the Morrigan appears as one of the first Banshees as she washes Cuchulainn’s bloody armor as he prepares for war. Another historical Banshee sighting is attributed to King James I of Scotland in 1437 foretelling of his murder by the Earl of Atoll.
One of the strangest Banshee stories begins August 5, 1801. Lord Rossmore, the Commander-in-Chief of the British forces in Ireland, attended a party where he met Sir Jonah and Lady Barrington, who found him in good humor and perfect health. He stayed at the party until midnight, returning home after inviting the Barrington’s to a party at his home. Two hours later, Sir Jonah, Lady Barrington, and a maid heard the plaintive sounds of a Banshee and the call of ”Rossmore! Rossmore! Rossmore!” The next morning, they were informed that Lord Rossmore had died in his room at 2:30 am.
There are stories of Banshees wailing even recently. In 1945, a young boy on a farm heard one cry over the death of Mrs. O’Callahan. The Banshee has also travelled into the United States, following the Irish immigrants into New Orleans, Boston, New York, Chicago, and more.
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