LEPRECHAUNS

Origin: Ireland

The Leprechaun is an Irish fairy. He looks like a small, old man (about 2 feet tall), often dressed like a shoemaker, with a cocked hat and a leather apron. According to legend, leprechauns are aloof and unfriendly, live alone, and pass the time making shoes. Leprechaun's are the self-appointed guardians of ancient treasure that was left by the Danes when they moved through Ireland. The leprechauns hide their treasure in crocks or pots. If caught by a human, he will promise great wealth if allowed to go free. Treasure hunters can often track down a leprechaun by the sound of his shoemaker's hammer. If caught, he can be forced ,with the threat of bodily harm, to reveal his treasure, but the captor must keep his eyes on him at all times. If the captor's eyes leave the leprechaun (and he often tricks them into looking away), he vanishes and all hopes of finding the treasure are lost. A Leprechaun carries two leather pouches. In one is a silver shilling, a magical coin that returns to his purse each time it is paid out. In the other pouch, he carries a bright gold coin. This coin turns to leaves or ashes once the Leprechaun has parted with it!