The term Bananach refers to a type of spectral, female spirit in Irish mythology that haunts battlefields and is associated with the Morrígan, a goddess of war and fate. The phrase "Phantoms of Blood and Battle" appears to be a descriptive phrase used in contemporary sources to elaborate on their nature or as a title for a creative work drawing inspiration from this folklore.
The Bananach in Mythology
- Origin and Role: The Bánánaigh (plural in Irish) are preternatural beings found in early Irish literature, such as the Ulster Cycle. They are not warriors themselves but appear before or during a conflict, lingering like an ominous storm and drawn to bloodshed. Their primary role is often seen as a harbinger of doom, shrieking or screaming over the battlefield, which can magnify the battle rage and madness of the warriors.
- Appearance: Descriptions vary, but they are generally depicted as gaunt, twisted figures, or as shifting specters of smoke and shadow. They are often described as having raven or bird-like attributes and sometimes appear with vast, ragged black wings or with a goat-like appearance. To see them clearly is considered a dire omen of impending death.
- Connection to other myths: They are sometimes described as being part of a group of "demons of the air" which also includes the male Bocanach. They are also linked to the war goddesses the Morrígan, Nemain, or Badb, either as their creatures or as extensions of their wrath. Unlike the Banshee (Bean sídhe), who typically wails to herald the death of a member of specific noble families, the Bananach is tied more generally to the carnage of the battlefield.