The Banshee (/'bæn?i?/), from the Irish bean sí ("woman of the síde or woman of the fairy mounds) is a female spirit in Irish mythology, usually seen as an omen of death and a messenger from the Otherworld. Her Scottish counterpart is the bean shìth (also spelled bean-shìdh).
The aos sí ("people of the mounds", "people of peace") are variously believed to be the survivals of pre-Christian Gaelic deities spirits of nature, or the ancestors. Some Theosophists and Celtic Christians have also referred to the aos sí as "fallen angels". They are commonly referred to in English as "fairies", and the banshee can also be described as a "fairy woman".
The banshee made their homes above ground living right alongside of humanity. In some cases the bean-shìdh have been know to breed with mortals and being directly involve themselves in their lives.
The life of the banshee is a very sad and lonely existence. Forced to fortell the future, bad omens of immutable fates and a sign that death is indeed a very real part of life. Knowing and understanding that we are all part of the great cycle of things helps them to endure their special calling with dignity and nobility.
