A leprechaun is a mischievous, solitary fairy from Irish folklore, known as a cunning shoemaker (cobbler) for the fairy folk, who guards a hidden pot of gold, often at the rainbow's end, using tricks to avoid revealing its location if caught. Their name may come from Irish for "shoemaker" or "small body," and they are industrious but tricky sprites often seen in green, busy mending shoes and hoarding wealth, a popular symbol for St. Patrick's Day.
Key Characteristics
- Occupation: Cobbler/Shoemaker, making shoes for fairies.
- Appearance: Small, bearded, often in green attire with a coat and hat, according to modern depictions.
- Nature: Mischievous, cunning tricksters, not overtly malicious but protective of their treasures.
- Wealth: Possess a pot of gold, which they fiercely guard.
- Legend: If captured, they must reveal their gold's location, but will distract and disappear if given the chance.
Origins & Etymology
- The word likely derives from Irish Gaelic terms like leipreachán (pigmy) or leath bhrógan (shoemaker).
- They are considered part of the fairy world, descendants of the Tautha de Danann, often living underground.