old irish ghost stories

One common theme is revenge. Many ghosts in these stories are seeking revenge for some wrong done to them when they were alive.

The banshee is very common. She's that female spirit known for her wailing which is an omen of death.

The appearance of the ghosts themselves can be very frightening. They are often described as pale, with hollow eyes and a cold aura. In some stories, they can suddenly appear in front of you, or pass through you, sending a shiver down your spine. This physical manifestation of the otherworldly in 'old true irish ghost stories' is what makes them so scary.

Another element is the ghosts of warriors or ancient chieftains. These ghosts might be tied to the land, perhaps because of some unfulfilled vow or a great battle that took place there. Their stories often involve protecting the territory or seeking revenge. For example, they might haunt the place where they died in battle, and people might report seeing a spectral figure in old armor. It makes the stories rich in history and local lore.

Sure. 'The Ghost in the Mill' is a great one. It tells about a spooky presence in an old mill that haunts the workers at night.

One interesting story could be about the banshee. In Irish folklore, the banshee is a female spirit whose wailing is said to foretell the death of a family member. It's often described as a pale figure with long flowing hair. Many people in Ireland claim to have heard her wail, especially in areas with old family estates.

They also show the connection to the land. As mentioned in some stories, like the haunted Christmas tree, there is a link between the spirits and the land. Ireland has a deep - rooted connection to its land, and these stories are a way of expressing that. The ghosts are often associated with specific places, be it an old castle or a particular forest area. This reflects how the Irish people view their land as having a history and a spirit of its own.

They often involve magic. For example, in many stories there are magical creatures like fairies, banshees or selkies. These elements add a sense of wonder.

The theme of fate often plays a role. Characters are sometimes fated to certain things, like the long - awaited return in 'The Voyage of Bran'. And of course, there are themes of good versus evil. The heroes in these stories usually fight against some form of evil, whether it's a tyrannical king or a malevolent sorcerer.

Characteristics? Well, many Old Irish short stories are centered around heroic figures. These heroes often have to overcome great challenges, whether it be in battle or in some sort of magical quest. The language used is often very descriptive, painting vivid pictures of the settings, from the green hills to the ancient castles. Also, family and clan loyalty is a common theme, and the stories are often used to pass down cultural values from one generation to the next. For instance, in stories like 'The Cattle Raid of Cooley', the importance of protecting one's tribe's property is emphasized. The stories also sometimes incorporate elements of the supernatural, like prophetic dreams or enchanted objects, which add an air of mystery and wonder.