Even Further Spooky Stuff

Banshee Haiku 

 

The herald's trumpet -

plangent in the dead of night -

sings of waning tides.

 

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Ah the Banshee; one of those Celtic myths that followed over the seas to America. The word "Banshee" is rooted in the Gaelic term for the Fairy World - the  Sídhe (pronounced like "Shee"). One myth states that the Keening Women (basically professional mourners) of the Sídhe would begin singing their lament before the news of the death could even be shared, due to their clairvoyant powers.

Of course, since then the story has taken a much more sinister turn. The Banshee became a spectral woman whoes wailing became a sign of certain, violent death. Most instances have also occured near a hevily wooded area for some reason (more inherint fear of the unexplored?).

Perhaps the Banshee isn't exactly a ghost to fear. I mean, her song doesn't kill you directly - it only warns you that your death is impending. The Banshee's cry should be more of a disappointment to hear, if anything. Of course if you do hear a Banshee, you should first check the area for barn owls before you start inviting people to your up-coming funeral.