A character born of Irish legends, the leprechaun is one of the icons of Irish folklore, best seen on St. Patrick’s Day. There are many legends and stories about it. This little creature has a way of fascinating young and old alike!
There are many tales and stories about it! They go by many names: leprechaun, elf, goblin, leprechaun… Whatever his name, this creature is known for his stinginess, his obsessive attachment to his pot of gold… which he hides at the foot of a rainbow… In short: a colorful character who is part of Irish culture! And Irish literature has no shortage of imagination on the subject!
Tuatha Dé Danann – Nationalmuseet – cc
Did you know? The leprechaun has its origins in Irish mythology!
Its first appearance in texts is in the work“Lebor Gabála Érenn“, better known in English as“The Book of Invasions“.
This book, written in the Middle Ages, was a collection of poems and mythological tales recounting Irish history from the creation of the world to the Middle Ages.
The story of the leprechauns is told. These creatures are said to be descendants of the Tuatha Dé Dannan, a people of fantastic creatures who tried to conquer Ireland with the help of druids with impressive magical powers.
Defeated by the Gaelic people, a peace agreement was reached: the Gaelic people were allowed to rule the planet, but the Tuatha Dé Dannan were allowed to rule in what they called the “buried part of the World”. In other words: hidden places, in forests, underground.
Since then, legend has it that these creatures continue to live there all their lives.
Irish people dressed as Leprechauns – garryknight – cc
The Leprechaun is by definition a being distinguished by its small size (90 cm maximum).
Stocky, dressed in green and a cobbler’s apron (leigh bhrogan in Irish Gaelic), he’s recognizable by his top hat, red beard and buckled shoes. Being atypical, only male leprechauns exist.
Character: the leprechaun doesn’t mess around! He’s said to be grumpy, stingy and unpleasant, often abusing dudeens (a whiskey-like liqueur of their own making) and his pipe, which allows him to smoke who knows what foul-smelling weed.
The leprechaun is described as a solitary, quasi-asocial creature whose characteristic bad temper promises improbable situations with his interlocutors.
Legend has it that their birth was actually the result of the union of a human and a spirit, although the Leprechaun was rejected by both worlds…
Its living space is confined to the bushes, from which it leaps to other gullies.
Leprechaun accessories – © TasiPas
Despite his greed, the Leprechaun knows how to be grateful and doesn’t hesitate to offer his home-made whiskey to people who are generous with him. Unfortunately, the humans the leprechaun avoids have a hard time keeping up. (It has to be said that this elf is a good drinker: you need a strong stomach to compete with them!)
He would keep at his disposal in two leather purses, a 1 shilling and a gold coin for bribes.
He’d also be the keeper of cauldrons full of gold coins, because in addition to being a shoemaker, he’d also be the small world’s banker. So he’s wary of humans, whom he knows to be greedy and foolish, because he fears for his treasures.
He’s fast, and if you catch him, don’t listen to his promises of fortune in exchange for his freedom – he’ll slip through your fingers!
Legend has it that if you blink at the Leprechaun, he’ll magically disappear from your sight!
Very difficult to spot, one website has come up with the crazy idea of installing ambush webcams to help flush them out. Don’t hesitate to try your luck!
St. Patrick’s Day – I-Stock Photos / Guide Irlande.com
Let’s face it: the leprechaun is such an important part of Irish folklore, it’s one of the country’s top cultural symbols!
That’s why, along with the shamrock, Saint Patrick, the harp and the sheep, it’s one of the great emblems of the Emerald Isle!
So don’t be surprised if you come across lots of leprechaun-clad revellers on St. Patrick’s Day… All his representations are there: green hat with strap and gold buckle, green suit, black boots, golden cauldron, beard…
The Irish like to dress up as leprechauns for March 17th: an opportunity for them to pay tribute to Irish folklore, and celebrate in all decomplexity!
Many TV series devote an episode to St Patrick’s Day or Irish leprechauns. As a result, these little goblins are regularly featured on television (as in the original Charmed series with Alyssa Milano, etc.)… and even in horror films!
They are a symbol not only of Ireland, but also of local tales and legends. Add a touch of enchantment and mystery to these little creatures!
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