Definition: Scottish Gaelic for washerwoman

Pronunciation:: ben-neeya

Aliases: Bean Shith, Bean-Shidh (both Scottish Gaelic meaning of “woman of the sidhe”, “fairy woman”, or “woman of peace”), Ban nigheachain (meaning little washer woman), Nigheag na h-ath (meaning little washer at the ford)

A picture of the Bean Nighe washing her clothes by the river.
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Bean Nighe is a type of Banshee in Scottish Folklore.  She is often described as an old woman with one nostril, one protruding tooth, sagging breasts, and webbed feet.  Although rather hideous, she can transform herself into an attractive young woman whenever it suits her.  These types of women are usually seen wearing green and are thought to be considered the spirits of women who died while giving birth to a child.  She stoops over and washes clothing containing the blood of those near death in a secluded waterway, usually a stream. 

Legend has it if you come across a Bean Nigh and aren’t afraid to approach her, if you suck on one of her elongated breasts, you can claim to be her foster child and recieve one wish.  If you only came for a chat, ask nicely and she may tell you the names of people that are going to die. She is believed to be a messenger from the Otherworld, which in Celtic Mythology was considered to be a country where there was no sickness, death, one hundred years lasted a day, and happiness lasted forever. Some people claim there are more fierce versions of the Bean Nighe on the Isle of Islay and Kintyre, and much nicer versions in Cadineag and Glencoe.