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Ireland is a country full of myth and wonder and is home to many types of storybook creatures.

The Leprechaun is said to be a mythical elf that remains in a realm between the physical and spirit world. The folklore surrounding the Leprechaun has been coupled with luck and the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. This story comes from when the Danes pillaged Ireland they left their spoils to be guarded by the Leprechauns. This spawned the legend if you catch a Leprechaun he will take you to his pot hidden behind a rainbow.

Leprechauns have been portrayed and used by the media to celebrate St Patrick's day and many other Irish type casts. A typical Leprechaun is described as male, never more than 25 inches tall, fiery red hair hidden in his three cornered hat. Pointed ears, thick sideburns, and a full beard, striking green eyes, fair skin, and a red nose. He will be dressed in handmade clothing mostly green in color, and on his feet you will find shiny black leather clogs adorned with a silver or gold buckle. The leprechaun also carries two leather pouches tied to his belt: one contains a gold coin, and the other a silver coin. The silver coin magically disappears and returns to the pouch each time it is used.

The Leprechaun is said to be a trickster, cunning, quick witted and extremely greedy when it comes to his gold. The only way to keep a Leprechaun once he is caught is to keep staring into his green eyes. If one was to break the connection for a second the elf would disappear into thin air.

The word leprechaun seems to have two originations one being the Gaelic "luprachan" or "half-boddied" due to their connection between the two realms. The second interpretation of the word leprechaun also "leath bhrogan" which means shoemaker.

So kiss of the Irish or the luck of the four leaf clover, if you catch a Leprechaun don't let him go until he leads you to his pot o gold at the end of the rainbow.

Learn more about this author, Douglas Black.
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