The Leprechauns

leprican.jpg (34580 bytes) So what is a Leprechaun? The modern Leprechaun is a small gnome-like creature that hails from Ireland. They are short little people often depicted as being plump and happy. They wear green clothing and often have beards. We see them as clever tricksters that can be caught for either the typical pot of gold or in some cases three wishes. Believe it or not the modern veiw of Leprechauns is not the original version that existed in Irish folklore.

According to the research of Evans-Wentz one receives an image of the Leprechaun as small, yet perfect in every way who inhabits rocks or caves and guards a sack of gold. His hat is red and sometimes he is to be found near springs. The leprechaun has several distinct virtues: He is crafty and can not be caught. When caught he must be honest and grant requests or tell you where his money is. He is also generous- when caught he will give his money away without a fight. Having put so much gold aside he must be a hard worker and must also be thrifty.

What is meant by perfect in every way? The Leprechaun is not a Gnome or dwarf- he is "perfect in every way". Dwarfs and Gnomes have big heads and stubby bodies. Although perfect in his small way his perfection is that of a worker and craftsman. The Leprechaun is a well dressed craftsman and appears as a shoemaker.

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