A banshee, in Irish folklore, is a female spirit whose wailing cry (or keening) warns of an impending death, typically within a family. She is often depicted as a beautiful woman, sometimes with long flowing hair and a white or grey gown, or as an old woman with red eyes, long fingernails, and tattered clothing. Her mournful cry is the most recognizable aspect of her haunting, and while she doesn't cause death, her presence signifies that someone is about to die. The banshee's most prominent feature is her keening, a high-pitched, mournful cry that can be heard from a great distance. Her wail is a warning that someone is about to die, not an active agent of death itself. Banshees can appear in various forms, from beautiful young women to haggard old crones, sometimes washing blood from clothes or wearing a grey cloak. Banshees are often associated with specific families, particularly those of noble or ancient lineage. While some legends say banshees can appear at any time, they are most often encountered at night. Though her cry is unsettling, the banshee is generally seen as a messenger of death rather than a malicious entity.