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What is a leprechaun?

A leprechaun is an Irish faerie creature, usually depicted as a little old man, about two-feet tall, with a green coat and usually a leather apron. They are said to be rich creatures, known to keep their wealth in a pot of gold.

These mythological creatures are portrayed in the form of old cantankerous shoemakers who enjoy their cunning and mischief, but who can be made to reveal the location of their treasure by capturing and keeping one's eyes upon them (else they escape) and threatening them with bodily harm.

They are associated with Irish peoples who lived in Ireland before the Celts, who are said to have talked about their adventures with the little creatures as a normal occurrence, not as anything out of the ordinary.

In today's world, the popularized image of leprechauns found in media advertising and movies are said by many Irish to be nothing but offensive stereotypes of their culture; the Lucky Charms mascot often pointed out as an egregious example.

In most ancient tales which have existed until today, leprechauns are depicted as mostly harmless creatures who enjoy their freedom and solitude, as well as the occasional prank.

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Below are the top articles rated and ranked by Helium members on:

What is a leprechaun?

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    by Douglas Black

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

    The Leprechaun is said to be

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  • 2 of 38

    by Doug Stephens

    A leprechaun is an Irish faerie creature, usually depicted as a little old man, about two-feet tall, with a green coat and

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    by Jaye Lynne

    Ah begorah the tale of the leprechaun, what 3rd generation Irish woman wouldn't have something to say about this? And here

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    by Carolyn Tytler

    Every Irish child has tried to find the end of a rainbow where folklore tells that a leprechaun has hidden his pot of gold.

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    by Ray Fauteux

    Leprechauns were a figment of a drunk Irishman's imagination several centuries ago.

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What is a leprechaun?

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