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Leprechauns Facts & Worksheets

A leprechaun is a small mythical creature in Irish myths and folklore, considered a type of solitary fairy

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A leprechaun is a small mythical creature in Irish myths and folklore, considered a type of solitary fairy. They are usually described as bearded, wear a coat and hat in green, and do naughty things. After some time, people depict them as shoemakers that have a hidden pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.

See the fact file below for more information on Leprechauns or alternatively, you can download our 28-page Leprechauns worksheet pack to utilize within the classroom or home environment.

Key Facts & Information

ETYMOLOGY

  • The word leprechaun is an Anglo-Irish (Hiberno-English) word descended from the Old Irish luchorpán or lupracán.
  • In the early 17th century, the Old Irish terminology luchorpán means small body, lu – small, and corp – body. 
  • Some studies state that leprechaun came from the Irish term ‘leath brogan’, which means shoemaker.
  • Samuel Lover, a famous Irish novelist, described leprechauns in his work Legends and Stories of Ireland in 1831. 
  • The widespread stories about leprechauns originated in Ireland. It is said that these creatures fused with a household fairy that developed a penchant for heavy drinking, so no cellar was safe.

DID YOU KNOW?

  • Originally, leprechauns were described as men who wore red outfits and tri-cornered hats. 
  • The green color outfit of the leprechaun depicts a modernized era.
  • One legend says that there is no record of female leprechauns existing. This idea of impossible origins heightens the magical and mysterious qualities of how they breed. 
  • Leprechauns are usually associated with wealth, more specifically, gold coins. But they are shoemakers, which makes it hard to presume profitable work. 
  • It is also said that they store their gold in a pot hidden at the end of the rainbow. 
  • If by chance, you get to capture a leprechaun, he will negotiate three wishes with you in exchange for his freedom. It is also a sign of good luck when you see one. 
  • In 2009, a European law was made to protect leprechauns and their species since there are sightings of them living in an area, 236 to be precise. 
  • There is no direct connection between St. Patrick’s Day and leprechauns. They are just both Irish symbols, only modernization has paired the one with the other, and it’s doubtful that this will change anytime soon.

CLASSIFICATION & CHARACTERISTICS

  • William Butler Yeats, a writer, and amateur folklorist have classified leprechauns as a solitary fairy. Part of the revivalist literary movement in the late 19th century, Yeats has become influential in bringing attention to the leprechaun. 
  • Yeats also stated that the great wealth of these fairies was found from the “treasure-crocks, buried of old in war-time” uncovered. 
  • Described as a fairy, leprechauns are also distinguished from the ‘good people’ of the fairy mounds and raths. 
  • Leprechauns are known to be solitary creatures. It is said that they only engage in pranks at the level of mischievousness. However, they also may do things that are more dangerous to humans, like the spiriting away of children.
  • Author David Russell McAnally says that a leprechaun is the son of an “evil spirit” and a “degenerate fairy” he described it as not totally good nor evil. 

APPEARANCE

  • The appearance of a leprechaun varies depending on the part of Ireland it was found. By the 20th century, it was widely believed that leprechauns wore red, not green. 
  • McAnally gave a detailed general description of leprechauns from his statement that they are three feet high, dressed in a red jacket, with white breeches, grey or black stockings, and a hat. 
  • It is believed that the northern leprechaun, also called ‘logheryman,’ wears a red military coat and white breeches, and a high-pointed hat. Sometimes leprechauns stand upside down. 
  • In Tipperary, lurigadawne or leprechaun is believed to be wearing a red slashed antique jacket with peaks all around and a cap. They also have a sword that can be used as a magic wand. 
  • The county of Kerry in Ireland describes luricawne or leprechauns as fat little creatures that have a red jolly round face, similar to the jacket they wear. It is noticed that they always have seven rows of buttons in each row. 
  • People from Monaghan described the outfit of cluricawne, or leprechaun, as a being that wears a red swallowed-tailed coat with a green vest, white breeches, black stockings, and shiny shoes. Some say that their long cone hat without a brim can be used as their weapon. 
  • A poem from the 18th century by Irish poet, William Allingham, described the appearance of the leprechaun as “…A wrinkled, wizen’d, and bearded Elf, Spectacles stuck on his pointed nose, Silver buckles to his hose, Leather apron — shoe in his lap….”

RELATED CREATURE

  • The leprechaun has a relative, namely clurichaun, a mischievous fairy known for his fondness for drinking and a tendency to haunt breweries, pubs, and wine cellars. 
  • Some would say that a clurichaun is just a leprechaun on a drinking spree. 

THE TRADITIONS AND BELIEFS SURROUNDING LEPRECHAUNS

1. Pot of Gold

  • In every story about leprechauns, their famous pot of gold is always mentioned. They are known to be mischievous creatures as they hoard treasures and traditionally hide them inside a pot at the end of a rainbow. This gave way to the idea that humans should catch leprechauns to find their fortune. 

2. Lucky Symbols

  • Legends say that capturing leprechauns is a sign of good luck along with receiving three wishes from them. Consequently, this idea has become associated with the “luck of the Irish”, which is one of the reasons why it is still popular today. 

3. Tiny Tricksters

  • Since people have learned about the fortune of leprechauns’ possessions, many are trying to find their gold. However, these tiny creatures are also known to be tricksters. It is believed that they deceive humans and give a lesson not to indulge in greed. Some believe that their intention of hiding the treasure is to lure ignorant people, and when they are caught for three wishes, they try to lead them astray. 

4. Sights and Sounds

  • Leprechauns can make noises by tapping their cobbling hammer to signal listeners that they are nearby. Irish music and instruments can also be heard while dancing away doing a little jig. 

POPULAR CULTURE

  • Throughout the years, images of leprechauns have been popularized in films, television cartoons, and advertisements. 
  • Even in the music industry, the mythological character of leprechauns is used in heavy metal, Celtic metal, punk rock, and jazz. 
  • In America, leprechauns are always associated with St. Patrick’s Day, accompanied by the color green and the famous shamrock symbol. 
  • Lucky, the well-known mascot made by General Mills is the mascot of Lucky Charms.
  • The official mascot of sports teams for the University of Notre Dame is an Irish fighting leprechaun. 
  • An American horror slasher film in 1993 entitled “Leprechaun” and its sequels presents a killer persona of a leprechaun. 
  • The logo of the National Basketball Association (NBA) team Boston Celtics features a leprechaun namely Lucky as the mascot of their team.

Leprechauns Worksheets

This is a fantastic bundle that includes everything you need to know about Leprechauns across 28 in-depth pages. These are ready-to-use worksheets that are perfect for teaching about the Leprechaun which is a small mythical creature in Irish myths and folklore, considered a type of solitary fairy.

Complete List Of Included Worksheets

  • Leprechaun Facts 
  • Lucky Seven!
  • At The End of the Rainbow
  • Truth or Deception?
  • Describe Me In Your County Way
  • I’ve Seen This Before
  • Living Luck
  • Motivation of the Day
  • Rich in Facts
  • Wealthy Mind
  • A Mystical Being

Frequently Asked Questions

Where did leprechaun myths start?

The widespread stories about leprechauns originated in Ireland. It is said that these creatures fused with a household fairy that developed a penchant for heavy drinking, so no cellar was safe.

What are leprechauns known for?

Leprechauns are usually associated with wealth, more specifically, gold coins. But they are shoemakers, which makes it hard to presume profitable work. It is also said that they store their gold in a pot hidden at the end of the rainbow.

What do leprechauns look like?

The appearance of a leprechaun varies depending on the part of Ireland it was found. By the 20th century, it was widely believed that leprechauns wore red, not green. McAnally gave a detailed general description of leprechauns from his statement that they are three feet high, dressed in a red jacket, with white breeches, grey or black stockings, and a hat.

How do you catch a leprechaun?

Tradition states that to catch a leprechaun, you need to build a trap. They are attracted to shiny things so place coins or shiny foil around the trap to get the leprechaun’s attention.

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Link will appear as Leprechauns Facts & Worksheets: https://kidskonnect.com - KidsKonnect, May 18, 2022

Use With Any Curriculum

These worksheets have been specifically designed for use with any international curriculum. You can use these worksheets as-is, or edit them using Google Slides to make them more specific to your own student ability levels and curriculum standards.

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