The Lhiannan Shee (or Leanan Sidhe) is a seductive, vampiric fairy from Irish/Manx folklore, a beautiful muse who grants genius inspiration (poetry, music) to mortal lovers but drains their life force, leading to madness and an early death, embodying the dark, consuming side of artistic passion. She's a dangerous Fairy-Lover from the Aos Sí (people of the mounds) who feeds on the vitality of her human partners, making them brilliant but ultimately wasting away.
Key Characteristics
- Name: "Fairy-Lover," from Gaelic leannán sídhe (fairy sweetheart).
- Origin: Irish and Manx folklore, part of the Aos Sí.
- Appearance: A beautiful, alluring woman.
- Role: A muse who inspires great art (poetry, music, painting).
- Vampiric Nature: Drains the life force (vitality, energy, wisdom) of her mortal lover, causing them to waste away and die young.
- The Bargain: If a mortal accepts her love, they gain immense inspiration but are doomed; if they refuse, she becomes their slave but still brings trouble and madness.
- Legacy: Her victims often leave behind a beautiful, but tragically short, legacy.