The banshee is derived from Irish folklore/mythology. She is described as a faerie woman who wails when one is about to die, and is believed to be a messenger from the Otherworld, or realm of the dead. Her actions differ with each culture though, for example in Scottish Gaelic Mythology, she is believed to be a Scottish faerie that could be seen washing the blood-stained clothes or armor of one who’s death was approaching.
The Banshee can be found in Irish, Scottish, Welsh, Norse, and American folklore. In each folklore though, her cries or screams, are described as the wails of one in mourning, or in great pain. Her physical features may vary, but a generalization is a womanly creature that can either appear to be a wretched hag, or a stunningly beautiful young woman. They “are frequently described to be dressed in white or grey, often having long, pale hair which they brush with a silver comb.” In some areas of mythology, the banshee is revealed to be an Irish goddess, The Morrígan (goddess of battle, strife, and sovereignty). On rare occasions a banshee is believed to take the shape of more than a humanoid figure, like a hooded crow, stoat, hare, weasel, or owl.