Manx Lanonshaa

Not so very long ago, so other informants told me, a female spirit, commonly known as a lanonshaa, frequented the island of Manx.

The lanonshaa seems to have been a kind of unbidden familiar spirit, for it permanently attached itself to its victim, and nothing could be done to get rid of the unwelcome companion.

In one case it attached itself to a big strong burly man, who was compelled to share his food with his lanonshaa. He was often seen when on horseback laughing immoderately, presumably with his ghostly companion, and throwing his hat into the air to catch it again.

One night after he had retired to rest a party of curious boys gathered round his bedroom to catch, if possible, some evidence of his companion. In this they were defeated, for the lanonshaa spied them and whispered, ‘They are listening now.’ ‘Listening, are they?’ The man lept up and chased the boys till they fled.