Irish Faeries
Irish Faeries:
Bánánach and Bocánaigh
Bánánach and their male counterparts, Bocánaigh are other Irish mythological creatures known to feed on death and misery. Ireland was a miserable place in the past to be fair, so I doubt they were ever too hungry. These creatures, however, specifically thrived on warfare and violence.
Alternatively, Bocánaigh are not described as ‘pale-faced men’, instead they are often described as men with the heads of goats – the Irish word bocán word meaning ‘male-goat’. Both sexes, however, are generally described as shrieking airborne demons.
Bánánach and Bocánaigh are known to fly over areas of combat, namely battlefields, hence their attraction to war and bloodshed. The Bocánaigh in particular, were said to cheer and roar at the carnage below.
Unlike other creatures on this list, they don’t seem to ever bother the living, but are more preoccupied with the dead. However, the Bánánach are said to have an interest in sex and can be sexually promiscuous towards humans.
Comparisons have been made between Bánánach and the Scandinavian Valkyries due their appearance, sexual promiscuity, and fascination with warfare. However, it is not clear if one was influenced by the other or if it’s purely coincidental.
The Bocánaigh on the other hand, share more similarities with Germanic trolls and giants.
Ireland’s history of bloodshed likely influenced the myths of the Bocánaigh and Bánánach. From the numerous invasions by the Vikings and Normans, where demons were seen floating among the stormy weather, to the final battle of the 1798 rebellion against the English, where the rebels were massacred and buried at Samiullah hill in Longford.
The Irish rebellious spirit lived on, and so did these demons of war.
Source: Babylon Radio by Thomas Cleary
Reacties
Een reactie posten