HELP with Folklore Research Please

[Virginia]

Hi Folklore buffs, this question might be premature since it's about Irish folklore and this may become the topic for the next group read. I'm looking for an Irish story which contains some magical element that points to a murder. There's a Russian story where a girl who lives alone is murdered and buried by a suitor she rebuffs, but her golden hair grows up through the soil like long grass and when the wind blows, her hair sings about the deed and the identity of the culprit. Does anyone know a story with a similar theme from Irish folklore? I've heard about the bones of a murdered woman being used to make a harp that sings the truth, but I'm hoping for something more like the Russian story. All thoughts and leads appreciated. Thanks.

[Jalilah]

I hope someone who knows more about Irish Folk and Fairy Tales can answer your question Virginia. I am much more familiar with French and German ones. If the Irish theme wins for the next group read, I am certain a lot will be new for me!

[Virginia]

Thanks Jalilah. Thanks. I used Perrault's Donkey Skin to weave clues in my last 'mythtery' - in France. Am now looking forward to an Irish romp but need to find an intriguing tale.

[Graeme]

Several of the Irish and Scottish banshee stories have what you are looking for. A murder, a rape or romantic betrayal leading to suicide, death in childbirth are all possible causes of a banshee haunting a house and/or family. In England, black dog haunting can have similar causes - see, for example, the back story to The Hound of the Baskervilles.

[Virginia]

Thanks Graeme. That's given me a great place to refine my search. I also need a magic object/element that spills the beans on the crime. Then I'll spin into the modern "mythtery". I'll let you know what I find :-)

[Mary]

The line between ghosts and the -- ehem -- Good Folk is often mushy in British folklore. The Cauld Lad of Hylton acted like a brownie or other household sprite, down to being laid when given clothes, but was a ghost.

[Virginia]

Mary wrote: "The line between ghosts and the -- ehem -- Good Folk is often mushy in British folklore. The Cauld Lad of Hylton acted like a brownie or other household sprite, down to being laid when given clothe..."

Thanks Mary
I've only just seen your comment. I think I've found a Murder Ballad that's going to create the mythic link I need :-)