Medieval History
until the 12th Century

The Legend of the Irish Banshee

By Paige Naumnik

The root of the word banshee is derived from the Gaelic term bean-sidhe, or literally, a woman of the fairies. They are known as spirits living in the hills of Ireland, taking a human form to warn those of Gaelic blood to prepare for loss and burial. There are various names of towns in Ireland that relate to the “land of the fairies”, i.e. Shee Hill and Rathshee, where these mystical beings are said to inhabit. Fairies are said to coincide with the original inhabitants of Ireland, and descended into the hills during the start of colonization. Legend has it that the original peoples of Ireland utilized fairy weapons and invoked the powers of fairies to harm or expel English colonists, or were fairies themselves. Herbert Hore and David Mac Ritchie agree that the Picts, driven from northern Britain to the West island in the Early Middle Ages, were deemed the original fairies. Originally, banshees were deemed to be fairy medicinal practitioners, using herbs and materials of the wood to provide cures for varying illnesses. Fairies were said to have kidnapped wounded men from battle and taken them into the hills for healing. The idea of the banshee being a symbol of death is relatively modern. Hore and Mac Ritchie believe that the original banshee was the nurse of a great Irish home, who tended to the sick of the family. When she believed that the wounded were beyond help, she would openly mourn and lament their unavoidable death, thus alerting the people of the house and those nearby that a loved one was soon to pass. Thus explains the origins of the modern day perception of a banshee. 

Recent talks of banshees in Ireland

In a 1948 article regarding banshees in Irish territory, one account from a perceived “ancient Irishman” claims that as of the 20th century, banshees were still prominent and ailing the people of the countryside. In the land of Glendalough lies a deserted castle of the Spaniards- it is said that banshees have chosen to inhabit this castle along with leprechauns. Those who lived in the town over from Glendalough claim to have been able to hear the wailing screams from the banshees even miles away. One account from the previously mentioned Irishman states that he has heard the banshees wailing at least once every month for nearly half a century. In his account, he states, “On Saturday nights, after I have had a jar of stout to raise the cockles of me heart…I sometimes go out on the green and howl back at them. No banshee is going to scare Sean Clement,”. The stubborn and resilient attitude of Irish natives is perfectly displayed here- the ancient forebodings of death are no longer frightening to the Irishman, but instead are a nuisance. 

Poetry 

"The Banshee", by Mary Seaton, 1900. 

There's wailing on the wind, Mary,

There's wailing on the sea,

Oh, place your hand upon my brow,

And lean your face to me.

Twice have I heard the Banshee cry

Above the storm and rain,

I'm waiting for her last low call

Beside the window pane.

Oh, put your arms around me love,

My head upon your breast,

And dry your falling tears, Mary,

They keep me from my rest.

The music on the wind, Mary !

The music on the sea!

Alanna, smile your own brave smile,

The Banshee cries for me.