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Gancanagh
The Love Talker—a handsome fairy who seduces women with his enchanting voice. One kiss from the Gancanagh, and you're addicted. When he leaves, you waste away from longing until death.
Ancient - Present
Ireland
100+ witnesses
The Gancanagh (love talker) is a male fairy from Irish mythology who seduces mortal women with devastating consequences.
The Legend
According to documented folklore:
The Gancanagh:
- Is a handsome male fairy
- Has an enchanting voice
- Seduces lonely women
- His touch is addictive
- Victims die of longing
Appearance
He appears as:
- A handsome young man
- Well-dressed and charming
- Often smoking a clay pipe
- In lonely places
- To solitary women
The Seduction
How he operates:
- Approaches isolated women
- Speaks in enchanting tones
- His voice is intoxicating
- One kiss creates addiction
- Then he vanishes
The Aftermath
After he leaves:
- The woman becomes lovesick
- Cannot stop thinking of him
- Refuses food and water
- Wastes away pining
- Eventually dies of longing
Similar to
The Gancanagh is:
- Male counterpart to Leanan Sídhe
- Like an incubus
- A fairy seducer
- A warning to the lonely
- An explanation for lovesickness
Protection
To avoid the Gancanagh:
- Don’t walk alone in remote areas
- Beware of too-charming strangers
- Iron wards him off
- Four-leaf clover protects
- Never kiss a stranger