Leanan Sidhe

Leanan Sidhe

The Fairy Lover

Also known as:

Leanhaun shee

Origin:

Ireland; Isle of Man

Classification:

Sidhe

The Leanan Sidhe, translated as ā€œFairy loverā€, are beautiful Fairies who haunt wells and springs in search of human lovers. Should they accept her love, they are hers forever. Unfortunately, thatā€™s usually not very long, at least not among the living.

The Leanan Sidheā€™s lovers arenā€™t long-lived but there is compensation: the Leanan Sidhe magically infuses them with poetry and literary skills. The Leanan Sidhe is blamed for the brief lives of many of Irelandā€™s greatest poets but credited with bestowing or enhancing talent.

It is not entirely clear whether the Leanan Sidhe consciously, vampirically saps the life essence from her lovers; whether contact with her simply proves too life-draining for mortals or whether the Leanan Sidhe brings her lovers to live with her in an Afterlife.

Manifestation:

Leanan Sidhe manifest as women; white does or fawns

SEE ALSO:

  • Aisha Qandisha;
  • Fairy;
  • Fairy, Green;
  • Gunlod;
  • Sidhe;
  • Vampire

SOURCE:

Encyclopedia of Spirits: The Ultimate Guide to the Magic of Fairies, Genies, Demons, Ghosts, Gods & Goddesses– Written by :Judika Illes Copyright Ā© 2009 by Judika Illes.