In Irish mythology, the sídhe (IPA ) are a supernatural race, quite distinct from humankind. There are a number of different types of sídhe: aes sídhe, banshee, warrior or daoine sídhe, leanan sídhe , sluagh, the fairy host or Wild Hunt, sídhe who can fly through the air and shift shape at will, sídhe who walk the earth at dusk, the guardian sídhe of the lakes of both Ireland and Scotland and many more.

They are the remnants of the underground kingdom given to the Tuatha Dé Danann after they were defeated by the Milesians. According to The Book of Invasions or Lebor Gabála Érenn, the Tuatha Dé Danann, the “People of the Goddess Danu” were defeated in battle by the mortal Sons of Mil. As part of the surrender terms the Túatha Dé Danann agreed to dwell underground in the síde (singular síd), the hills or mounds that dot the Irish landscape. Each member of the Tuatha De Danaan was given one mound. Later, due to a corruption of the meaning, both the mounds and the supernatural entities (i.e. sprites) became known as the síd, modern Irish sídhe.

See also

• Banshee, Sheela-Na-Gigs, Elves