What is bean nighe?

Bean Nighe, also known as the Washerwoman, is a figure in Scottish and Irish folklore. She is said to haunt the banks of streams and rivers, washing the bloodstained clothes of those who are about to die. It is believed that sighting the Bean Nighe is an omen of impending death.

In Scottish folklore, the Bean Nighe is described as a haggard old woman with one nostril, one long tooth, and webbed feet. She is often seen washing clothes at the water's edge, wringing them out with her long, bony fingers. In Irish folklore, the Bean Nighe is said to be a beautiful woman with long, flowing hair, wearing a green dress.

Despite her ominous reputation, the Bean Nighe is not considered to be inherently evil. In some stories, she is seen as a protector of the natural world, and her appearance is interpreted as a warning to those who are in danger.

Overall, the Bean Nighe is a mysterious and haunting figure in Celtic folklore, representing the thin line between life and death.