Hag of the mist

The Hag of the mist, known in Welsh as the Gwrach-y-Rhibyn[1] or the Cyoeraeth,[2] is a hag spirit in Welsh folklore, comparable to the Irish banshee. Like the banshee, the Hag of the mist is portrayed as an ugly woman, whose shriek or cry is said to forewarn of misfortune or death.[2]

Often invisible, she can sometimes be seen at a crossroad or a stream when the mist rises.[2]

Hearing the shriek warns of coming misfortune or even death. If it is death that is coming, the name of the one doomed to die will be heard in her "shrill tenor".[3] The misfortune may be coming to the person hearing her voice, or to someone in their family.[1]

References

  1. 1 2 Owen, Elias, Welsh Folk-Lore pp. 153-4
  2. 1 2 3 Wiffen, B. B., Choice Notes from "Notes and Queries", P.P. - London. - Notes and Queries, William John Thoms. p. 32
  3. ↑ Hallucinations of the Hag of the mist may cause death especially in a person who is very sick and close to dying by destroying that person's confidence that he/she can survive, see Nocebo effect.
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