The origin of the Leprechaun

Is there any truth to these famous mischief-makers?

By Alicia Noragon

St. Patrick's Day is celebrated across the world. Every year people embrace the shamrock, parades, corned beef, green beer, and of course, the leprechaun. But what exactly are leprechauns and how did these famous green figures become such a staple for the March holiday?

The tale of the leprechaun has been a beloved part of Irish lore. Stories of these small creatures have been around since the 8th century.

Leprechaun comes from the word, “luchorpan” which means “small body”. Fables tell us they are said to only be around two feet tall.

These tiny beings are notorious for being the cobblers of the fairy world. They have often been associated with shoemakers. This profession is what earns them their iconic pots of gold.

Legend also says that there are no female leprechauns. This only adds to their magical and peculiar qualities. Some say that leprechauns are the unwanted children of fairies. As a result, they are grouchy, untrusting, and tend to be alone.

The original leprechaun was not the top-hat wearing, pipe-smoking, green dressed, gnome we think of today. Originally, leprechauns were described as wearing red. Over time, they have evolved into the greenwearing guys we have come to know and love. Many speculate that this is due to the general popularity of the color green throughout Ireland. One thing that comes to mind when we think of a leprechaun is their pot of gold. They are known to possess and hoard their treasured pots and traditionally hide them at the end of a rainbow. This requires that humans need to catch a leprechaun to get the gold, because we know there is no “end of the rainbow.”

Catching a leprechaun is no easy task. These mischievous guys are believed to vanish before anyone can spot them. If you are able catch a leprechaun, it is said it will bring you good luck along with three wishes. We associate them with the “luck of the Irish”, making it one of the

▪ See ST. PATRICK'S DAY on page 13