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Gwrach-y-Rhibyn
The Welsh witch-hag who appears at crossroads and stream crossings. She shrieks warnings before death, invisible to all but the doomed. Her leathery wings beat at windows of the dying.
Ancient - Present
Wales
200+ witnesses
The Gwrach-y-Rhibyn (Hag of the Warning) is a terrifying spirit from Welsh folklore who foretells death.
The Legend
According to documented folklore:
The Gwrach-y-Rhibyn:
- Is a frightful hag
- Appears before death
- Shrieks the victim’s name
- Has leathery bat wings
- Often invisible to all but the dying
Appearance
She appears as:
- Hideously ugly old woman
- Long, matted black hair
- Withered face with large nose
- Bat-like wings
- Long black teeth
- Thin, bony arms
The Warning
How she appears:
- At crossroads at night
- By streams and fords
- Beating at windows
- Calling the name of the doomed
- Her shriek freezes the blood
Behavior
The Gwrach-y-Rhibyn:
- Splashes in streams
- Beats wings against windows
- Wails and moans
- Sometimes visible only to the dying
- May follow funeral processions
Differences from Banshee
Unlike other death omens:
- Has wings
- More physical appearance
- Associated with water crossings
- Calls the victim’s name directly
- More actively frightening
Protection
Little can be done:
- Her warning cannot be escaped
- Prayer may comfort
- Some say iron repels her
- Avoid crossroads at night
- Make peace with your fate