Watch: The Banshee
The Banshee is the story of a woman whose appearance warns that something terrible is about to happen.
As the Banshee has supernatural abilities, her story is a myth.
A legend is a story that is partly true, based on historical facts or about a real person.
Narrator: Myths are old old tales, filled with magical creatures and mystery.
Before science helped us understand the world, these creatures were used to explain the unknown.
Creatures like the Banshee.
The Banshee's cry was said to be a warning of coming doom and she could choose to appear young…
…or old.
These supernatural abilities make her a myth rather than a legend.
She pops up across Irish, Scottish and Welsh stories. And has been imagined differently in each place at different times.
In Ireland she has been known as the Keening Woman, her wailing song can shatter glass.
In Scotland, she has been known as the Little Washer Woman.
And in Wales she goes by the name, The Hag of the Mist.
Banshee: Who said that?
Narrator: As a myth, her appearance changes from place to place and over time but her appearance is always meant to warn us of approaching doom.
Why is the Banshee a myth?
The Banshee is the story of a supernatural woman whose appearance and/or cry indicated that something terrible was about to happen.
As the Banshee has supernatural abilities, her story is a myth rather than a legend.
The Banshee has been reimagined in different places over different times. For example, in Ireland she has been known as The Keeling Woman, whereas in Scotland she has been known as The Little Washer Woman.
Although her appearance and name has changed over time, her appearance within a story is always meant to warn of approaching doom!
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