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The Banshee
This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you will see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work. This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.
- GenresFolklore
52 pages, Paperback
First published January 9, 2010
22 people are currently reading
52 people want to read
About the author
Elliott O'Donnell
205Ìýbooks34ÌýfollowersElliott O'Donnell was an Irish author known primarily for his books about ghosts. He claimed to have seen a ghost, described as an elemental figured covered with spots, when he was five years old. He also claimed to have been strangled by a mysterious phantom in Dublin.
He claimed descent from Irish chieftains of ancient times, including Niall of the Nine Hostages (the King Arthur of Irish folklore) and Red Hugh, who fought the English in the sixteenth century. O'Donnell was educated at Clifton College, England, and Queen's Service Academy, Dublin, Ireland.
In later life he became a ghost hunter, but first he traveled in America, working on a range in Oregon and becoming a policeman during the Chicago Railway Strike of 1894. Returning to England, he worked as a schoolmaster and trained for the theater. He served in the British army in World War I, and later acted on stage and in movies.
As he became known as an authority on the supernatural, he was called upon as a ghost hunter. He also lectured and broadcast (radio and television) on the paranormal in Britain and the United States. In addition to his more than 50 books, he wrote scores of articles and stories for national newspapers and magazines. He claimed "I have investigated, sometimes alone, and sometimes with other people and the press, many cases of reputed hauntings. I believe in ghosts but am not a spiritualist."
He claimed descent from Irish chieftains of ancient times, including Niall of the Nine Hostages (the King Arthur of Irish folklore) and Red Hugh, who fought the English in the sixteenth century. O'Donnell was educated at Clifton College, England, and Queen's Service Academy, Dublin, Ireland.
In later life he became a ghost hunter, but first he traveled in America, working on a range in Oregon and becoming a policeman during the Chicago Railway Strike of 1894. Returning to England, he worked as a schoolmaster and trained for the theater. He served in the British army in World War I, and later acted on stage and in movies.
As he became known as an authority on the supernatural, he was called upon as a ghost hunter. He also lectured and broadcast (radio and television) on the paranormal in Britain and the United States. In addition to his more than 50 books, he wrote scores of articles and stories for national newspapers and magazines. He claimed "I have investigated, sometimes alone, and sometimes with other people and the press, many cases of reputed hauntings. I believe in ghosts but am not a spiritualist."
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
May 4, 2020
I found this to be an interesting read. I find it fascinating to see how different cultures harbor different supernatural entities. Banshees are unique to Gaelic Irish. The author was one of the 9 Hostages that were originally plagued with these strange beings. The purpose of the Banshee seems to be to foretell the death of family members of these 9 Hostages. I would be interested to find out more about the hostages. I do have some Irish in my lineage, though I am sure my blood is not of the 9 Hostages, because I have never seen or heard a banshee. I would recommend this book to those who like ghost stories, for people who want to know more about the thoughts of real ghost hunters, or people who are interested in the culture and history of the ancient Irish. Mythology seekers would be another crowd who may enjoy this writing.
April 18, 2025
Honestly sent shivers down my spine more than once. Fascinating read !
May 15, 2013
Helped me very much with my project on the Welsh and Irish people and I enjoyed reading it at the same time. It's interesting what people from other parts of the world believe in or used to believe in.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
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