Freaky Friday: the Banshee

Today's Freaky Friday creature: the banshee.

Also goes by bean sidhe (fairy woman or woman of the mound), bean-nigde (washing woman), bean chaointe (keening woman), Washer of the Shroud, Washer at the Ford, Washer at the Banks, Dames blanche

The legend of the banshee may be traced back to an old Irish tradition. During a funeral, a woman (know as a "keener") would sing a lament, or caoineadh, for the deceased. When a member of the five great Gaelic families died, they were said to be lamented by a fairy woman. The fairy woman, with supernatural insight, would know if a family died even if they were many miles away. The fairy's lament would be the first indication they would recieve of the death.

The banshee was often described as an old woman or hag. She could also appear as a lovely young woman, or dignified matron. These three appearances mirror the three aspects of the the Celtic goddess of war and death: Badhbh, Macha and Mor-Rioghain. She is sometimes said to carry a comb, which she runs through her long hair. If a traveler found a comb on the ground, they should never pick it up. If it belonged to a banshee, she would steal the person away. The comb imagery may have been borrowed from stories of mermaids, and incorporated into the banshee legend. She could also appear as a crow, weasel or hare (animals associated with witchcraft in Ireland).

Hearing a banshee's wail (or keen) would foretell a death in the family. Actually seeing the banshee would foretell that person's own death. If several banshees sang their lament together, it signaled the death of someone of great importance.

The wail is discribed in several ways, depending on the region. In the southwest of Ireland, in Kerry, her wail is described as a "low, pleasant song." However, in Leinster, her keening was sharp enough to shatter glass. Other areas describe it as two boards being struck together (Tyrone, in the north), or a screeching sound like a cross between the wails of a woman and an owl (Rathlin Island).

Another portrayal of the banshee is of a woman washing bloody clothes or graveclothes. The clothes belonged to someone about to die. Passersby must not be seen by the washerwoman. If they are noticed, they must help her with her washing. If they do this correctly, the washerwoman will grant three wishes. However, if done wrong, she will instantly kill him or her. In Scotland, if a person can move between the washerwoman and the water, she will grant three wishes in exchange for three questions truthfully answered.

The banshee has a rich history. For more information, check out my sources at:
Wikipedia - Banshee
Monstropedia - Banshee

Freaky Friday: the Púca

I'm starting a new segment where I dig around the internet for a mythological creature to discuss. Welcome to Freaky Friday!

Today's installment: the Púca

Also goes by Pooka, Phooka, Phouka, Púka, Pwca (Welch), Pouque (Dgèrnésiais), Glashtyn (Manx), Bucca (Cornish) and Gruagach.

The Púca is from Celtic folklore; a shapeshifter that can take numerous forms (among them horse, goat, dog, eagle or goblin). One form is that of a half-human, half-goat satyr, reminecent of the famous character Puck, from Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream. Regardless of it's shape, it almost always has dark fur or hair. The most common dipiction of a Púca is that of a sleek black horse with a flowing mane and vibrant yellow eyes.

The Púca could be benevolent, or destructive. As a horse, it would lure people onto it's back and take them away for a wild ride. They would return, but not the same as they left. Accounts differ on whether the Púca, when near lakes or streams, would take the human under the water and rip them apart like kelpies were said to do.

Brian Boru, High King of Irland, used a bridle made of three hairs of the Púca's tail to control and ride it. He rode it until, exhuasted, it succumbed to his will. He forced two promises from it: one, it would no longer harm Christian people or damage their property, and two, it would no longer attack any Irishman unless they were drunk or abroad with evil intent. Apparently, this bargain did not last, since attacks still happened after it was made.

The Púca could speak, and sometimes offered warnings or prophecies to those who left it gifts. It is a creature of the mountains and hills. On November Day, people could ascend to certain high places to leave offerings and seek advice.

Like many of the fairy folk, the Púca was both feared and respected. It enjoyed confusing people, but overall was considered a benevolent creature.

Sources and more information on the Púca:
Wikipedia - Púca
Monstropedia - Pooka