Leanan Sidhe

The Fairy Lover

Also known as:

Leanhaun shee

Origin:

Ireland; Isle of Man

Classification:

Sidhe

The Leanan Sidhe, translated as “Fairy lover”, are beautiful Fairies who haunt wells and springs in search of human lovers. Should they accept her love, they are hers forever. Unfortunately, that’s usually not very long, at least not among the living.

The Leanan Sidhe’s lovers aren’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 Ireland’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 © 2009 by Judika Illes.