Banshee

Banshee
Species information
Eye colour	Varies
Skin colour	Green-tinged
Hair colour	Black
Native to	Ireland and Scotland
Height of average adult	Average height of a human
Distinction	Zombie-like appearance Fatal scream
Ministry of Magic Classification	Spirit

"Where the mummy had been was a woman with floor length black hair and a skeletal, green-tinged face — a banshee. She opened her mouth wide and an unearthly soud filled the room, a long, wailing shriek that made the hair on Harry's head stand on end —"

— A boggart impersonating a banshee

The Banshee (Gaelic spelling beannsidhe) is a Dark creature native to Ireland and Scotland.

Biology and description

Banshees have the appearance of a woman with floor length black hair, a skeletal face, and green skin. A banshee's scream is fatal to the ears, in a manner similar to fully grown Mandrakes.

History

The Bandon Banshee was supposedly defeated by Gilderoy Lockhart, which he described in his book Break with a Banshee; though he admitted to stealing credit for his books. The only thing known about the actual witch who defeated the Bandon Banshee was that she had a hairy chin.

Seamus Finnigan was afraid of Banshees, as his Boggart demonstrated. Seamus also mentioned it when Harry Potter opened the golden egg and heard a screeching sound.

The singer Celestina Warbeck is known to perform with a backing group of banshees. Another possible banshee was the Bogle-banshee, mentioned by a student on the "Second Year Essential Knowledge Test" that Gilderoy Lockhart gave his second year Defence Against the Dark Arts class in 1992.

Behind the scenes

• Mrs. Mason "screamed like a banshee" when the owl post letter warning Harry Potter about his supposed Underage magic transgression (actually committed by Dobby) was dropped on her head.

Appearances

• Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (Mentioned only)
• Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (film) (Mentioned only)
• Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (Seen as boggart)
• Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (Mentioned only)
• Daily Prophet Newsletters
• Wonderbook: Book of Potions
• Pottermore (Seen as boggart)