sìth
/ˈʃiː/
The English phrase 'sidhe' refers to a supernatural being or fairy from Irish mythology in Gaelic, specifically using the form sìth.
The word sìth is used to refer to the mystical beings known as the 'Sidhe' in Gaelic folklore, denoting fairy-like creatures. You may also encounter the term Daoine Sidhe, which translates to the 'folk of the Sidhe' or 'people of the fairy mounds'.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈʃiː/
Did you know?
- In Gaelic, the word sìth is a homonym that also means 'peace'. This duality reflects the belief that the supernatural beings are keepers of a profound and otherworldly stillness.
- Historically, some people avoided saying the word sìth directly and instead used euphemisms like 'the good people' to avoid attracting the attention or anger of the beings.
- The word sìth originally referred to the physical place where these beings lived, rather than the beings themselves.
Examples in context
- Tha dearmad air an t-sìth.The sìth has been forgotten.
Example conversation
Hamish and Isla are walking near an ancient burial mound.
- HamishA bheil an sìth a' còmhluinn an t-àite seo?Does the fairy haunt this place?
- IslaTha mo sheanair a' creidimh thuig.My grandfather believes so.
- HamishTha an sìth gu math eagrasach.The supernatural being is quite scary.
- IslaNa bi eagrach, Hamish.Don't be afraid, Hamish.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry sìth, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries sìth, CC BY-SA 4.0.
