Monstrum — Season 1, Episode 15: Banshee: Ireland's Screaming Harbinger of Death

Episode synopsis

Dr. Zarka shows how this wailing female ghost connects to the very real Irish tradition of keening— a rhythmic wailing and mourning performed by women as part of the death ritual. Tune in to see how fact and fiction combine to create a supernatural tradition that connects the people of Ireland to their ancestors.

About Monstrum

The world is full of monsters, myths, and legends and Monstrum isn’t afraid to take a closer look. The show, hosted by Emily Zarka, Ph.D., takes us on a journey to discover a new monster for each new episode. Monstrum looks at humans unique drive to create and shape monster mythology through oral storytelling, literature and film.

More episodes from Season 1

• E1What Dragons Say About Us
• E2Rethinking Frankenstein's Monster
• E3Post-Dracula Vampires: From Anne Rice to Twilight
• E4The Original Headless Horseman
• E5Release the Kraken!
• E6The Origin of Medusa
• E7Are White Walkers Really Nordic Zombies?
• E8El Chupacabras, a Modern Mystery
• E9Godzilla and Mothra: King and Queen of the Kaiju
• E10How Chimaera Mythology Became Reality
• E11The Legend of La Llorona
• E12Golem: The Mysterious Clay Monster of Jewish Lore