"C" is for Cait Sith

Not quite as big as a dog... My cat Shadow

I first came across the character Cait Sith in New Vampire Miyu by Narumi Kakinouchi. I don't know if she intended for him to be based on the Celtic legend or not.

Anyway, a few years ago I was working on a YA Sith novel & came across the name "Cait Sith" again. (Note: Sidhe is a variant spelling.)

The legend of Cait Sith is apparently Scottish in nature and refers to a large cat from the Highlands. This creature, according to the Scottish folklore site, is "as big as a dog and completely black except for one white spot on its breast." (http://www.mysteriousbritain.co.uk./folklore/scottishfolkapp.html)

In my untitled Sidhe novel, Cait Sith/Kellas Cat is a protector of the heroine and also a Threshold Guardian (for you Writers Journey fans). Hm, maybe I should revive this story.

Comments

Carla Richards said…
cool. I just read a book with a Cat Sidhe in it (the Iron Fey series) - I was wondering if she made it up. I guess not. Do you know if the pronunciation is the same if it is spelled Sith or Sidhe?
May 5, 2011 at 12:45 PM
PamelaTurner said…
Hi Carla! I believe the pronunciation is the same. However, if someone knows better, feel free to correct me. :-)
May 5, 2011 at 3:55 PM
Anonymous said…
It is pronounced the same. "Sith" is the Scottish spelling "Sidhe" is the Irish spelling. Both are pronounced "shee"...like in Banshee...which is really ban-sidhe or ban-sith, ban means female and sidhe or sith mean fairy. Cait means cat.
March 26, 2013 at 12:27 PM
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