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Leprechauns

Derived from the Gaelic luacharma’n, “pygmy”; or leith brogan “maker of one shoe”, Leprechauns are mainly found in Irish folklore.

Leprechauns are small creatures who occasionally inhabit farmhouses or wine cellars. They are seen quite often by humans and are described as merry little fellows dressed in old-fashioned clothes; emerald green frock coat, with a red cap, leather apron, and buckled shoes. They are known to aid humans and perform small labors for them. Sometimes they ask humans for supplies, for which in return they give objects which bring luck and fortune. Leprechauns are called fairy cobblers, for they make shoes for elves.

According to popular belief, a leprechaun possesses a treasure (usually a pot of gold) which a human may obtain if he succeeds in capturing one, which is extremely difficult. Even after capture, a person may not take his eyes off of him for an instant, for then he will vanish. When they finish their daily tasks, leprechauns like to have a wild drunken feast, where they can be seen riding in moonlight on the back of a dog or a sheep.

Tags: Leprechauns, Irish folklore