Cat Sìth
Also called Cat Sidhe, CatSidhe.
From Celtic folklore, the Cat Sidhe resembles a large black cat with a white spot on its chest. It has the power to steal a person's soul by passing over a corpse before burial.
At a glance
- Tradition
- Celtic mythology (general)
- Trait family
- The Rain-Serpents
Near this figure
Traits
Read from the figure's description, which a model wrote. Open "why" for the sentence a trait came from.
Behaviour
- Soul theft by passing over a corpse
why
Its most notorious power lies in its ability to steal souls, a feat accomplished by passing over a corpse before burial rites are performed.
- Rewards kindness punishes cruelty
why
Some tales speak of Cat Sidhes blessing households or rewarding those who show them respect, while others warn of their vindictive nature when slighted.
- Domestic spirit helps or harms based on treatment
why
Some tales speak of Cat Sidhes blessing households or rewarding those who show them respect, while others warn of their vindictive nature when slighted.
Omens
- Most active at liminal thin veil times
why
The Cat Sidhe is said to be particularly active during Samhain, when the veil between worlds is at its thinnest.
Utility powers
- Planar traversal
why
This marking is said to be a gateway to the otherworld, a symbol of the Cat Sidhe's ability to traverse the boundaries between the mortal realm and the spirit world.
Roles
Judged from the works' own entries, not from the description. Carries: the figure holds the role. Meets: the role is in its stories, held by something it meets.
- Shadow carries both readings
4 citations
- George M. Eberhart, Mysterious Creatures: A Guide to Cryptozoology, s.v. "Cait Sith."
- Katharine Briggs, An Encyclopedia of Fairies, s.v. "Cait Sith."
- Patricia Monaghan, The Encyclopedia of Celtic Mythology and Folklore, p. 78.
- Theresa Bane, Encyclopedia of Beasts and Monsters in Myth, Legend and Folklore, s.v. "Cait Sith."
- Trickster carries both readings
4 citations
- George M. Eberhart, Mysterious Creatures: A Guide to Cryptozoology, s.v. "Cait Sith."
- Katharine Briggs, An Encyclopedia of Fairies, s.v. "Cait Sith."
- Patricia Monaghan, The Encyclopedia of Celtic Mythology and Folklore, p. 78.
- Theresa Bane, Encyclopedia of Beasts and Monsters in Myth, Legend and Folklore, s.v. "Cait Sith."