Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Mythical Creatures of Ireland

A number of magical characters exist in Irish mythology. The leprechauns, banshees and dullahans are only some of the more well-known kinds.

The leprechaun is among the most popular Irish fairies. It is usually characterized as a diminutive old man in a green or red coat who enjoys being involved in mischief. The creature spends all its time making shoes, and keeps its coins in a pot, which is then hidden at the end of a rainbow. If caught by a human, a leprechaun will promise great wealth in exchange of freedom.

Typically regarded as an omen of death, the banshee is a female spirit that can appear as a young woman, a stately matron or a ragged old hag. These three forms represent the tripartite Celtic goddess of war and death. In addition, she sometimes takes the form of a washerwoman and is seen cleaning the bloodstained garments of those who are about to pass away. Legend says that the banshee performs a song of lament only for the five great Gaelic families - the O'Neills, the O'Briens, the O'Connors, the O'Grady's and the Kavanaghs. Her mourning call is often heard at night when someone is about to die.

The Irish dullahan is a type of headless fairy usually seen riding a black steed and carrying his head under one arm. It possesses supernatural sight and by holding his severed head up high, he can see for vast distances across the countryside. The dullahan utilizes a human spine as a while. Humans who have the misfortune of seeing this fairy are either struck blind in one eye or will have a basin of blood thrown on their face.

Pollux Parker is an adventurer who loves discovering secret island getaways in each country he visits. Pollux also likes to collect Ireland Flag and buy cheap Ireland Flag.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Pollux_Parker

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