Sidhe

There are many types of Sidhe with many shapes, sizes and powers. Here are a few:

The Banshee The banshee (originally bean sidhe) was a female spirit, possibly associated with the tradition of singing laments at funerals. The banshee would sing on the death of a family member and many families had their own personal banshee. Later on the banshee’s wail was said to foreshadow a death.

Daoine Sidhe One of the smaller forms of fairy, also known as daoine beaga or “little people”. They are great warriors.

Leprechaun The leprechaun – leipreachan – has today become a commercialised sterotype; a little bearded man in a green coat with a pot of gold and a very bad Irish accent! The original leprechaun was a very respectable member of the fairy race. The leprechaun was a shoemaker for the Sidhe, although for some reason he preferred to make shoes singly rather than in pairs. He would – sometimes – reveal the location of his treasure if caught.