Leanan sídhe facts for kids

The Leannán Sídhe (pronounced 'LAN-awn SHEE') is a fascinating character from Irish Folklore. Her name means 'Fairy-Lover' in Gaelic. She is often described as a beautiful fairy woman from the Aos Sí, who are sometimes called the 'people of the fairy mounds'. This fairy is said to choose a human as her lover. People who become lovers of the Leannán Sídhe often live short but very creative lives. While usually shown as a female fairy, there is one old story about a male Leannán Sídhe.

What is the Leannán Sídhe?

The name Leannán Sídhe comes from two Gaelic words. One means 'sweetheart' or 'lover', and the other refers to the 'fairy mounds' where fairies are believed to live. This mythical being is a type of fairy that forms a special, intense bond with a human.

The Myth's Popularity

The idea of the Leannán Sídhe became very popular during the Celtic Revival in the late 1800s. This was a time when people in Ireland became very interested in their ancient stories and culture.

Jane Wilde, who wrote as "Speranza", mentioned the Leannán Sídhe in her 1887 book, Ancient Legends, Mystic Charms and Superstitions of Ireland.

The famous poet William Butler Yeats also helped make the Leannán Sídhe well-known. He wrote about her in a way that made her seem almost like a vampire, taking energy from her human lovers. Yeats imagined the Leannán Sídhe as a beautiful muse. A muse is someone who inspires an artist. She would offer great ideas and creativity to an artist. In return, she would ask for their love and loyalty. However, this magical relationship would often lead to the artist becoming very unwell and eventually dying.

Yeats described her this way:

The Leanhaun Shee (fairy mistress) seeks the love of mortals. If they refuse, she must be their slave; if they consent, they are hers, and can only escape by finding another to take their place. The fairy lives on their life, and they waste away. Death is no escape from her. She is the Gaelic muse, for she gives inspiration to those she persecutes. The Gaelic poets die young, for she is restless, and will not let them remain long on earth—this malignant phantom.

This quote shows how Yeats saw her as a powerful, inspiring, but also dangerous fairy.

Leannán Sídhe in Pop Culture

The legend of the Leannán Sídhe has inspired many stories, songs, and games over the years.

In Traditional Stories

Some old Irish tales seem to have characters similar to the Leannán Sídhe. These include:

• "The Fairy Follower" by Katharine Mary Briggs
• "Oisin in the Land of Youth" from Ancient Irish Tales
• "The Dream of Angus" in Augusta, Lady Gregory's Cuchulain of Muirthemne

In Video Games

The Leannán Sídhe has appeared in popular video games:

• In the 2005 game Devil May Cry 3: Dante's Awakening, one of the bosses named Nevan was based on the Leannán Sídhe.
• She is also a creature you can find and use in the popular Megami Tensei series of games.

In Music

• The old Irish song "My Lagan Love" uses the Leannán Sídhe as a symbol for a very strong, all-consuming love. The lyrics say: "And like a love-sick lennan-shee/She hath my heart in thrall,/Nor life I own nor liberty/For love is lord of all."
• The Irish band Unkindness Of Ravens released a song called "Leanan Sídhe" in 2015. They also made a music video for it that explores the old myth. The video was filmed in beautiful places in Ireland, like The Burren in County Clare and the Slieve Bloom Mountains in County Offaly, as well as the Pollnagollum caves.

In Modern Books and Movies

Many modern fantasy books and movies use ideas from Irish mythology, including the Leannán Sídhe:

• In The Dresden Files by Jim Butcher, there is a character named Leanansidhe (or Lea for short).
• The The Iron Fey Series by Julie Kagawa also features characters inspired by Irish folklore.
• The book Ink Exchange (from April 2008), which is part of the Wicked Lovely series by Melissa Marr, includes similar themes.
• In the Japanese manga "Mahoutsukai no Yome (The Ancient Magus' Bride)" volume 3, by Kore Yamazaki, a Leannán Sídhe lives with a character named Joel Garland.
• The 2017 horror movie MUSE, directed by John Burr, shows her as a mythical and dangerous spirit who becomes a painter's muse and lover.