Leanan sídhe
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In Celtic folklore, the Irish leanan sídhe (Scottish Gaelic, liannan shìth) is a beautiful woman of the Aos Sí (or fairy folk) who takes a human lover. Lovers of the leanan sídhe are said to live brief, though highly inspired, lives.
The leanan sídhe is generally depicted as a beautiful muse, who offers inspiration to to an artist in exchange for fame and glory; however, this exchange frequently results in madness for the artist, and often premature death. W. B. Yeats popularized a slightly different perspective on these spirits with emphasis on their vampiric tendencies, a feature also shared by the Manx analogue the Lhiannan Shee.
The leanan sídhe 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.[citation needed]
An alternate name is Lianhan Sidhe or Leanhaun Shee.
From the Gaelic word "leannan," a sweetheart, concubine, or favourite. Also, Sídhe, 'of the fairy mounds'.
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- Briggs, Katharine (1976). A Dictionary of Fairies. Middlesex: Penguin, p. 266. ISBN 0-14-00-4753-0.
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