Creature Feature Friday: Banshees

You've heard from a lot of bloggers about a lot of paranormal creatures over the last few weeks. They've tackled vampires, angels, dragons, witches, elves, mermaids, and nephilim. Now, Emily from Emily's Reading Room is here to take on an more elusive creature, the banshee...

What is a banshee?
Banshees originated in Gaelic legends. And frankly, they could be some of the most terrifying villains ever. They herald death with a wail that will make your blood run cold, hair stand on end, and all other kinds of horrible cliches. Some have described it as a low moan, while others have said it is a loud shriek.

What do you love about banshees?
Banshees have the horrible job to notify those that are about to die of their impending doom. They are dressed in gray or white, and can be either young and beautiful, or old and terrifying. I really think that this paranormal creature is one of the least utilized in literature. While many legends have mentioned the horror or despair that the wail of a banshee brings, I think that they are misunderstood. I mean, why blame the messenger, right?

Favorite banshee in fiction:
Frankly, the only banshee in literature that I can remember is in Harry Potter. Banshees are mentioned a couple times in the series, but I most remember Gilderoy Lockhart’s tale of his conquest of one, as well as the egg that wails in The Goblet of Fire.


Favorite banshee in pop-culture:
I don’t watch a whole lot of really scary horror movies, so I haven’t seen any banshees in movies.

If you like banshees then you should read…
Someone needs to write a great banshee book. I heard that Kiersten White loves them as well, so maybe she can be persuaded...

Also check out...

• My Soul to Take by Rachel Vincent
• My Soul to Save by Rachel Vincent
• My Soul to Keep by Rachel Vincent
• My Soul to Steal by Rachel Vincent
• If I Die by Rachel Vincent