The clurichaun (/ˈkluːrɪkɔːn/) is a mischievous solitary fairy from Irish folklore best known for his excessive love of drinking and frequenting of wine cellars, breweries, and pubs. While often considered a "cousin" to the leprechaun, some folklorists—including W.B. Yeats—suggest the clurichaun may simply be a leprechaun on a drinking spree.
Key Characteristics and Appearance
- Physical Features: Descriptions vary but often portray him as a small man with features suggesting heavy drinking.
- Attire: Common clothing items include a red nightcap, leather apron, blue stockings, and shoes with silver buckles, though other colors like green and purple are also mentioned.
- Personality: Known for being surly and short-tempered due to his drinking, he is a trickster but can also protect households that treat him well.
Folklore and Legends
- The Haunted Cellar: A well-known tale by Thomas Crofton Croker illustrates how difficult it is to get rid of a clurichaun once he has attached himself to a home, as seen with the character Naggeneen who follows a lord when he tries to move.
- Supernatural Abilities:
- Invisibility: He can disappear instantly if a captor is distracted.
- Magical Transport: He can use plants as makeshift horses for travel.
- The Lucky Shilling: He possesses a magical coin called a "lucky shilling" that always returns to him after being spent.
- Domestic Role: If respected, he may guard a cellar. However, disrespect, such as offering poor food, can lead to negative consequences for the inhabitants or their livestock.
Etymology and Regional Variations
The name likely comes from the Irish clobhair-ceann, possibly meaning "small curved body" or "clover-head". Other regional names exist, such as Lauron in Kerry and Lurigadon in Tipperary.