Banshee legends function as a discussion of death with the effect of upholding the mysticism and scariness associated with death. The Banshee is similar to the "Grim Reaper Death" who comes knocking on the door. The theme of the Banshee legend is that Death warns friends and/or family of those who are about to die. A Banshee is female as opposed to the male "Grim Reaper".