IRISH LEANAN SIDHE

The Fairy Mistress or Fairy Sweetheart, leanan sidhe (lan-awn shee), is a Celtic muse possessing a dark unearthly beauty. Her names translates directly as 'my inspiration' (leanan) faery (sidhe). She is sometimes called lhiannan shee (lannan-shee). Legend says she resides under the Irish Sea off the eastern coast of Ireland and roams sometimes roams the Isle of Man at night as she searches for a new lover.

Her lovers are frequently artists, and all who fall under her spell suffer a keen longing in her absence. In return for the depth of emotion she receives, she inspires genius in her loves. They have been likened to candles burning at both ends: incredibly bright, but lacking the endurance of that which burns normally they expire quickly. Such is often the price of her gift, though it usual results from a great heartbreak or sorrow when she leaves, rather than a malicious intent on the part of the leanan sidhe.

While the artist in question typically considers her attentions a gift, the self destructive nature of the artists once she has left seems to have inspired a belief that the leanan sidhe is evil and dangerous. Some have even likened her to a vampire, attached to one man as she ruins his body and soul.