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Cyhyraeth
The Welsh harbinger of death. A disembodied moaning voice heard before someone dies—especially before multiple deaths or disasters. Heard along the coast before shipwrecks, warning of the drowned.
Ancient - Present
Wales
300+ witnesses
The Cyhyraeth is a ghostly spirit from Welsh folklore whose wailing foretells death.
The Legend
According to documented folklore:
The Cyhyraeth:
- Is a disembodied voice
- Moans and wails before death
- Heard near the coast before shipwrecks
- Sometimes seen as a hag
- A death omen like the banshee
The Sound
The Cyhyraeth’s cry:
- A mournful moaning
- Growing louder three times
- Sometimes words can be heard
- “My husband!” or “My child!”
- Utterly terrifying
Coastal Warnings
Near the sea:
- Heard before shipwrecks
- Multiple deaths imminent
- Sailors knew its meaning
- No escape from fate
- Only time to pray
Appearance (When Seen)
Rarely visible as:
- A hideous old hag
- Wild, matted hair
- Withered arms
- Black teeth
- Dressed in rags
Differences from Banshee
Unlike the Irish banshee:
- Often just a voice
- Warns of multiple deaths
- Associated with water
- More rarely seen
- Predicts disasters
Famous Accounts
Historical reports:
- Before coastal storms
- Preceding mining disasters
- Near rivers before drownings
- In villages before epidemics
- Documented since medieval times