We should perhaps begin with a very basic definition of this character
from Irish folklore. The leprechaun, as Rose (1998) defines him, is a sort
of fairy who takes the form of a tiny old man who does indeed often wear
the cocked hat that he is represented as wearing in contemporary popular
representations. Traditionally - although this is usually not the case any
longer - he was depicted wearing a leather work apron something like that
worn by a cobbler or a farrier - or perhaps a goldsmith since the
leprechaun is associated with the most precious of metals rather than base
iron. The leprechaun is a solitary individual who lives in remote places,
often making shoes (although exactly for whom is not always clear - he may
be related to other sorts of fairies who leave shoes in the homes of poor
families with many barefoot children. His hammering at his trade is often
the key to his discovery by humans. If these humans can capture him and
threaten him convincingly then he may tell them where he - like all
leprechauns - keeps his secret pot of gold. But if his human capturers
glance away - which the leprechaun will tempt them to do in a variety of
ways - he will vanish along with any chance that the humans had of
The following is a typical description of the leprechaun:
The Leprechaun is a solitary faery who does not enjoy working with his
fellow creatures and keeps to himself unless there is a party, at which
time he gets very drunk and very social. There are numerous stories of
persons who have accidentally come upon an open burgh and witnessed these
Leprechaun revels. Occasionally they feel moved to invite humans to join
them. Feel free to accept their invitation, but do not drink, eat, or dance
Music, dancing, fox hunting, and drinking Irish whiskey are
said to be the Leprechauns' favorite pastimes. They love to
dance and are a...