The Banshee

Banshees. Possibly my first introduction to spooky myths and legends. With an Irish dad and a plethora of aunties that loved to tell ghost stories (in that wonderful accent of theirs), I grew up on stories of fae, leprechauns and banshees. One of my earliest movie night memories is with Darby O’Gill and the Little People. Haven’t seen it? Drop everything and go now!

Banshees originate from Irish folklore. Eerie and mournful spirits, they are associated with foretelling death or imminent tragedy. These supernatural beings are predominantly depicted as female entities, combing their long hair, often seen or heard wailing near the homes of people about to pass away.

In Irish mythology, banshees are believed to be spirits of deceased women who return to the mortal realm to warn families of impending death. They are most commonly associated with particular families, often following gene lines across generations.

They are described as wearing white or grey robes, with long, flowing hair and even having red, puffy eyes from constant weeping.

The wailing of the banshee is said to be an otherworldly sound, haunting and sorrowful, meant to evoke a sense of dread and foreboding. Traditionally, banshees were considered to be benevolent spirits, offering a form of supernatural warning to prepare families for the imminent loss of a loved one.

In children’s horror pop culture, the Banshee is still waiting for it’s spotlight, though it has appeared in Disney ‘Darby OGill’ as well as episodes of Scooby Doo and Teen Wolf .

Though traditionally Banshees are considered benevolent, in horror representation, they are anything but. Taking on the symbol for fear of the unknown, Banshees are often depicted as wailing harbingers of death. They embody themes of grief, mourning and the spirit realm. Their inclusion in horror fiction capitalises on these themes, using their spectral nature to evoke fear and suspense.

Banshees, in my humble opinion, are far too underrepresented in horror pop culture! Who doesn’t love a weeping spectral of a woman, with well brushed hair and the ability to instil grief and despair upon any person with ears?