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| *Leprechauns* |
Everyone know about Leprechauns, but did you know that these Irish elves make all the fairy footwear? The little cobblers work night and day repairing a steady stream of shoes worn out from endless fairy parties. Because they work so hard, Leprechauns are incredibly rich. Their treasure, however, is not easy to get. If you discover a Leprechaun�s pot of gold, this naughty elf will try to trick you into glancing away just for a moment � and then he�s gone! But they can�t disappear as long as you are looking at them, especially if you have a four-leafed clover. If you are clever enough to get the pot of gold, make sure it�s the real thing. Leprechauns often give fake gold, which turns to stone overnight. These little entrepreneurs are not always so stingy, however. If a Leprechaun truly likes you, he may formally present you with a leaf or a stone. Don�t pass up this simple gift � it could turn into gold overnight. Lay your ear close to the hill Do you not catch the tiny clamour Busy click of an elfin hammer, Voice of the Leprechaun singing shrill As he merrily plies his trade? I caught him at work one day, myself In the castle ditch where foxglove grows A wrinkled, wizened and bearded Elf Spectacles stuck on his pointed nose, Silver buckles on his hose Leather apron-shoe in his lap Rip-rap, tip-tap ~William Allingham Finding Fairies ~ Secrets for Attracting Little Folk Around the World ~ Michelle Roehm-McCann & Marianne Monson-Burton |
| Leprechauns Very small sprites who sometimes live in farmhouses or wine cellars. They are known to aid humans and perform small labors for them. Sometimes they ask humans for supplies and furniture, for which in return they give objects which bring luck and fortune. Leprechauns are called fairy cobblers, for they make shoes for elves (but always one shoe, never a pair). They are seen quite often by humans and are described as merry little fellows gaily dressed in old-fashioned clothes; green, with a red cap, leather apron, and buckled shoes. When they finish their daily tasks, leprechauns like to organize wild feast, during which time they are referred to as cluricauns. These (often drunk) cluricauns can then be seen riding in moonlight on the back of a dog or a sheep. According to popular belief, a leprechaun possesses a treasure (usually a pot of gold) which a human may obtain if he succeeds in capturing one, which is extremely difficult. Even after capture, a person may not take his eyes off of him for an instant, for then he will vanish. Leprechauns are mainly found in Irish folklore Derived from the Gaelic luacharma'n, "pygmy"; or leith brogan "maker of one shoe". Source(s): Funk & Wagnalls Standard Dictionary of Folklore, Mythology, and Legend. Elfen, De. Other names Luchorpan Lubrican Lubberkin |
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