Banshee

&nbsp Banshees are a race of monsters from the Xenaverse. Their first, and only, appearance was in the episode Gabrielle's Hope; in which, they provided the most conclusive evidence (other than baby Hope's own actions) that Gabrielle's newborn daughter was the evil spawn of Dahak.

Abilities
Banshees are a race of immortal 'Shade' like beings, who can make themselves intangible at will. They are shown to possess high wailing cries, that could be used as a weapon (though this was not demonstrated). they are also shown to be able to fly, change shape and are hinted to have some kind of precognetive gifts, as they know of Gabrielle's pregnancy before any others.

Appearance
Banshees are depicted as three young looking women (about mid-to-early-twenties), with wild hair (varying in color), different colored skin, dark lips, wide eyes (also varying in color) and white teeth. They wear robes similar to those of the Furies, save for the green color of the banshee's robes and the red of the furies.

Impact
Despite appearing in only one episode of XWP The Banshees play a vital role in showing Xena and Gabrielle the impact of what Dahaks coming will do.

Race or Deities?
The question of whether The Banshees are a race of beings, similar to The Bacchae, or a trio of female deities, such as The Furies has been present since Gabrielle's Hope's original airing, and has pried at fan's minds for just as long. The similarities between the Bacchae and the Banshees is obviously present, such as the Forest of the Banshee, and The Bacchae Forest (the dwelling places of the respective creatures). But, the similarities between the Furies and the Banshee is also present, such as wild hair, their clothes and the idea of death present behind both of their background mythologies.