This is a rough painting of Queen Clíodhna (Klee-uh-nah), the banshee queen. Pictured left in her glamoured form (so that she appears human), and right in her true form. She features in the current chapter of Mercy that I’m working on, and I had the urge to draw her on the iPad.
Banshees are infamous in Irish folklore. They are female spirits/fairies who are often attached to old, powerful families. When the banshee cries, a death will soon occur in the family.
One of my favourite things about working on The Ninth Circle is discovering and incorporating the many facets of Irish folklore into the story. My own Irish heritage is largely unexplored, so having the chance to delve into this wonderful nation’s culture is wonderful.
Cloidhna – glamoured
Cliodhna – true form
C. A. Harland 