Leprechaun, << LEHP ruh kawn, >> is a solitary fairy of Irish folklore typically depicted as a cheerful, elderly man. A leprechaun may be finely dressed in a green jacket and hat and buckled shoes. He may carry a short, crooked wooden walking stick called a shillelagh << shuh LAY lee >> . A leprechaun usually works and travels alone. However, leprechauns may gather at times to drink, sing, and dance with other leprechauns. According to tradition, there are no female leprechauns.
Like brownies, leprechauns often perform good deeds or produce goods for people. In many folk tales, they are cobblers who make and repair shoes. An object made by a leprechaun is thought to bring good luck to anyone who possesses it. Leprechauns can be mischievous and enjoy playing pranks. They are also easily offended and may cause misfortune if they feel they have been insulted.
According to folklore, leprechauns are clever and greedy. They keep a pot of gold hidden at the end of a rainbow. A person who captures a leprechaun can force the leprechaun to give up his treasure. But a leprechaun usually tricks his captor into looking away and thus escapes. A leprechaun may also grant a person three wishes in exchange for the gold. The leprechaun then tricks the person into wasting the wishes.
