They’re on cereal boxes of Lucky Charms, they’ve tormented Jennifer Aniston in a horror movie and they’ve been part of Irish folklore for generations. So, we’ve decided to put together a complete guide on the myths and legends of the Irish Leprechaun.
Here’s some of the most common questions people have about the Irish Leprechaun…
What Jobs did Leprechauns have?
Leprechauns were the fairy shoemakers of Ireland and they made shoes from the finest Irish leather that were said to be so comfortable you could walk from Kerry to Donegal.
Did Leprechauns have children?
No, according to legend Leprechauns did not have children and there are no female leprechauns.
They are decedents of the collection of ancient Irish gods known as the Tuatha De Danann, the ancient and mystical tribe of the Irish Goddess Danu.
These gods are deeply associated with the ancient mythology of Ireland and are still associated with our most sacred ancient places.
Are leprechauns a member of the fairy family?
Yes, they are members of the Irish Fairy family.
They are famous for their love of gold, the crafting of the finest shoes and most of all for their mischievous and sometimes tempestuous nature.
Other legends depict the Leprechauns as quiet creatures that like to keep to themselves.
Do Leprechauns Grant Wishes?
Yes, according to Irish Myths and Legends if captured a Leprechaun must grant his capture three wishes. Be very careful what you wish for though. If you wished to be as big as an Ox he could turn you into an actually Ox. Be very clear what you wish for, as a Leprechaun will take you literally!
Once your three wishes are granted you must set him free.
Do they have a Pot of Gold at the end of the Rainbow?
Again, this is very true according to Irish folklore. Hence why it’s so difficult to find those pots of Gold. They’re always just out of reach and only a leprechaun can reach the end of a rainbow.
Legend states that Leprechauns have a gold coin for every year they’re alive, so King Brian would have a very lucrative pot of Gold!
How can I catch a Leprechaun?
So, this is a very popular question, why? Because everyone wants those three wishes, the pot of gold and the claim to say they’ve caught the magical green-cloaked fairy.
If you want to catch a leprechaun you’ll need to be extremely cunning. Not many people can outsmart their kind. You’re going to have to find their weakness and believe me they do have it.
Their major weakness is alcohol. I’ve heard they like Guinness but whiskey and Poitin are their tipples of choice. When a Leprechaun is intoxicated they are at their most vulnerable.
Leave some whiskey outside in your garden some evening and you may have the opportunity to catch one. Make sure you tie a string to their ankle.
Don’t expect to be greeted too positively when he wakes up. They’re grumpy, old and badly behaved. They’ll be looking for a way escape straight away.
Who is the King of the Leprechauns?
King Brian is the 5,000 year old King of the leprechauns and was featured in the 1959 Disney film, Darby O’Gill and the Little People. This is a great movie to watch if you’re going to brush up on your knowledge of these fairy creatures.
Do Leprechauns Dance?
Yes, leprechauns love to drink and dance. The Irish Jig is their favourite dance accompanied by traditional Irish music played on the fiddle. They love to dance so much they wear out the soles of their shoes. Some think this is why they went into the profession of shoemaking.
What type of clothes do Leprechauns wear?
They’re famous for wearing green however according to the Book Legends and Stories of Ireland from 1831, they work dark red clothes with a tri-cornered hat with shoes and gold buckles.
What’s the Real Truth behind Leprechauns?
Well, they are just legends and we’ve only heard stories of people that have seen them. No one can actually prove they exist, although a man in Louth claims to be the Last Leprechaun Whisperer.
According to his website, Kevin Woods found the remains of a genuine leprechaun in 1989. His bones still held within his suit. He organises regular leprechaun hunts but has yet to capture any.
