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Bean Nighe
The Washer at the Ford. She washes the bloodied clothes of those about to die. If you see her washing your clothes, your death is near. But approach correctly, and she might grant wishes.
Ancient - Present
Scotland
200+ witnesses
The Bean Nighe (Washer Woman) is a Scottish spirit who washes the clothes of those about to die.
The Legend
According to documented folklore:
The Bean Nighe:
- Washes clothes at fords/streams
- The clothes belong to the soon-dead
- Seeing her is an omen
- She is a type of banshee
- Can sometimes grant wishes
Origin
The Bean Nighe is:
- A woman who died in childbirth
- Doomed to wash until her natural death date
- A sorrowful figure
- Not malevolent, just doomed
Description
She appears as:
- A small woman
- Often dressed in green
- At a river ford
- Washing bloody clothes
- With one nostril, one tooth, webbed feet
The Encounter
If you see her:
- Your death may be foretold
- If she sees you first, that’s bad
- If you see her first, approach carefully
- You may ask three questions
- Or grant three wishes
How to Approach
To gain from the Bean Nighe:
- Sneak up unseen
- Suck on one of her breasts
- Declare yourself her foster child
- She must then grant your wishes
- Answer your questions
What to Ask
You can learn:
- Who is about to die
- Your own fate
- Hidden knowledge
- She cannot lie