Leprechaun

Wish-granting fairies known for hoarding gold and making shoes. A variation on the shoe-maker elves. Best known in Ireland.

Civilization and Culture

History

It was in the 14th century that the book, Echtra Fergus mac Léti (Adventure of Fergus, Son of Leti) was written. It is this volume that is cited as the debut of the leprechaun on the literary world. The Character of the Leprechaun
In that book, the protagonist has fallen asleep by the sea when he is woken by the sensation of being dragged towards the water. He wakes and seizes the three diminutive sea sprites that are attempting to drown him.
This anarchy-laced edge to the leprechaun’s character is a common theme that runs in many of the stories about them. In most versions, that trait is shown as more of a roguish propensity toward mischief and trickery rather than the homicidal intent of the original story.
Author and expert on Irish folklore, David Russell McAnally, states that the leprechaun is the offspring of an “evil spirit” and a “degenerate fairy” and is “not wholly good nor wholly evil”.
Another account, found in the book, ‘A History of Irish Fairies’, suggests that they were the “defective children” of fairies whose appearance and disposition made the outcasts from that society.
The tale of Fergus, son of Leti, also introduces another important element of the leprechaun legend – that they will grant three wishes to the person who captures them. Fergus is granted the boon and one of the gifts he asks for is the ability to breathe underwater.
Through other myths and legends passed down from the Irish storytellers of yore, we know that leprechauns love their solitude. That does seem to be a departure from the rampaging trio mentioned in Fergus’s adventures cited above, though.
On the other hand, a leprechaun’s solitary existence does not bar him from his love of a good time. It is said that they are happiest when dancing and will find any excuse to gulp down some ale and indulge in a lively jig. --https://mythologian.net/leprechauns-mythical-creatures-irish-folklore-story/ accessed 1/12/21