IRISH BEAN TIGHE

The bean tighe look like small elderly ladies dressed in peasant clothing. They are somewhat chubby with very kind-looking faces. She’s rarely seen, and most likely heard sweeping the floor.


The bean tighe will finish any chores the lady of the house is unable to finish in the course of a day. She will care for the children and the animals all in exchange for a daily offering of fresh strawberries. There is a test that can be performed to see if a bean tighe has taken up residence in a home. If a wet piece of linen is left out to dry hanging in front of a hearth, she will come out and turn the linen when one side is dry, as long as she thinks she’s not seen.

The bean tighe is known to be maternal and wise. They are attached to the old families of Ireland and assist with everything from housework to caring for the family pets. Sometimes they will take up residence if a household leaves strawberries and cream out for them.