A leprechaun is a small, mischievous Irish elf with red hair, pointed ears, and green clothing. They are excellent cobblers and carry two leather bags, one with a silver coin and one with a gold coin. They are said to guard a stash of gold hidden under a rainbow. The clurichaun is a grumpier version of the leprechaun. Leprechauns are associated with luck and shamrocks and are an enduring Irish legend.
A leprechaun (lep’ rah kahn) is a mythical Irish elf or fairy who occupies a realm that lies somewhere between the physical and spiritual worlds. There are no female pixies noted in folklore, begging an obvious question. Also, fairies don’t follow the same rules as mankind. The leprechaun is said to love his pipe, his drink and his solitude, but he can become gregarious at times, and when that happens he loves to dance and engage in antics.
A leprechaun is a small man under 24 inches (610 mm) tall with thick, shaggy red hair that is mostly hidden under a cocked hat. He has pointed ears, large bushy sideburns or a thick, curly beard, sparkling green eyes, and pale skin with rosy cheeks and nose. His clothes are mostly green, but might include a leather work apron. All Leprechauns wear shiny black leather shoes with silver buckles, as they are excellent cobblers, a reputation and trade they are very proud of. They are said to make shoes for many elves in the fairy world.
Through the legends surrounding the leprechaun, an image emerges of a mischievous, shrewd, and quick-witted little elf. It is said that when the Danes sacked Ireland, they left their gold to guard the leprechauns. So if you catch a leprechaun, it might lead you to its stash of gold hidden under a rainbow. But first he will try to bribe you. The leprechaun carries two leather bags: one contains a silver coin and the other a gold one. The silver coin magically returns to his bag each time it is spent. However, he will offer the gold coin which will either turn to ash or disappear completely once he is safe. A captured fey might even offer to grant its captor three wishes, but excellent deception will make the wishes as useful as the gold piece.
Fey believe that the men of our world are excessively greedy and careless, and will avoid being caught. If cornered, holding a leprechaun’s gaze will prevent it from disappearing. But be warned: he’ll use every trick to make you look away, and by the time you look back, he’ll be gone.
A close cousin of the leprechaun is the clurichaun, said to be a grumpier version of the leprechaun. Clurichauns are even more drink-loving and often dress in red and white to distinguish themselves from the leprechauns.
The word leprechaun appears to be taken from two sources, according to historians. Irish Gaelic luprachan, or “half-body,” referring to their partial occupation of the physical world; and leath bhrogan, meaning “shoemaker”.
Aside from the cobblestones, leprechauns are related to the idea of luck, shamrocks and shamrocks. Their meager wealth, luck and antics make the leprechauns an enduring Irish legend known throughout the world.
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