Cyhyraeth

Cyhyraeth

Minor Spiritfolk-consensusWelshWales

A Welsh spirit whose groaning, sighing wail presages the death of a family member — heard but never seen, specifically associated with the families of Welsh descent.

Origin

The Cyhyraeth is the Welsh equivalent of the Irish Banshee — a spirit whose wailing foretells death for specific families of Welsh descent. It was especially associated with coastal areas where it could be heard at sea before a shipwreck. The sound was described as a dismal, shrill groaning that diminished as it moved away from the house, representing the weakening and death of the family member.

Appearance

Never seen — only heard. Its voice was a three-part wail, heard three times at intervals. Some descriptions mention a long, thin arm visible in moonlight on the water.

Abilities

Its wailing presaged death in specific Welsh families. Could be heard at sea before shipwrecks. Hearing it three times meant the death was imminent. Could not be prevented or appeased.

Weaknesses & Wards

Weaknesses

  • condition
    A portent only — cannot be prevented, only acknowledged

Wards

  • ritual
    Prayer upon hearing her — there is no ward against fate
Sources
  1. [1]
    British Goblins. Sikes, Wirt. 1880. British Goblins: Welsh Folk-Lore, Fairy Mythology. Sampson Low.folk
  2. [2]
    The Folklore of Wales. Owen, Elias. 1896. Welsh Folk-Lore: A Collection of the Folk-Tales and Legends of North Wales. Woodall, Minshall.folk
folk-consensus