A harbinger is a sign of things to come, and often appears in the form of various beasts or beings, their appearance or actions announce the immediate approach of something, usually but not always death or destruction.

For example, a bird tapping at the window is an omen of death, a peacock fanning its tail signals wealth, seeing the church grim signals a great change, seeing the church lamb is a sign that a child will die, and hearing the wail of a banshee means death for a family member.

Some creatures are not only omens but oracles, such as mermaids and trolls who can foretell the future as well as grant supernatural powers to human beings.

See Also: Creatures by Type » Harbingers