In Irish mythology, a leprechaun is a type of male faerie said to inhabit the island of Ireland. They are a class of “faerie folk” associated in Irish mythology and folklore, as with all faeries, with the Tuatha Dé Danann and other quasi-historical peoples said to have inhabited Ireland before the arrival of the Celts.
- According to legend if a human catches a leprechaun that leprechaun must grant that human three wishes in exchange for his freedom.
- There are no female leprechauns.
- Leprechauns are shoemakers.
- Some stories say they hide their gold coins in a pot at the end of the rainbow.
- Did you know that Leprechauns originally wore red! According to the book Legends and Stories of Ireland published in 1831, leprechauns wore red and a cocked (tri-cornered) hat, shoes and buckles.
- According to legend Leprechauns dance the Irish jig so much they wear out their shoes.
- Some stories about leprechauns say that they are mischievous other stories say they are harmless creatures that keep to themselves.
- Some legends say leprechaun carry one gold coin for every year they have been alive.
- Lucky Charms cereal has a leprechaun as a mascot.