In early Irish folklore, the bánánach (Irish: , English: ) were preternatural beings, described as spectres which haunted battlefields. They are mentioned alongside the bócanach,(, "goat-like battle spectre") the geniti glinne ( "female battle-spectre of the glen") , and the demna aeóir ( ,"demons of the air") in the Táin Bó Cúalnge.

In the Táin Bó Cúalnge, the bánánach, bócanach, and geniti glinne are sent by the Tuatha Dé Danann strike fear into Cú Chulainn's enimies, answering to his battle cry. They are linked with (and sometimes considered personifications of) the sounds of battle, being used as a way to describe the sound of weapons clashing. All three of these beings are warded off by the Dond Cúalnge, a legendary bull mentioned in the Táin Bó Cúalnge.

See also Badb Banshee

References

Further reading Sayers, William (1991). "Airdrech, Sirite and Other Early Irish Battlefield Spirits". Éigse XXV: 45–55. Henry, P. L. (1958-9). "The Goblin Group". Études Celtiques 8: 404–16. External links Como pronunciar bánánach