The Luck of the Irish

When I was a little girl, I used to watch this wonderful, old movie that brought me into a great world of magic and folklore. Parts of it frightened me, the ghost-like banshee most of all. But other parts fascinated me. What am I talking about? What I am talking about folks is the famous Disney classic, Darby O’Gill and The Little People. Set in a small village in Ireland, the movie is about an old man, Darby, who discovers an underground world of leprechauns and ends up catching one.

But what of this legend of the leprechauns? Where did it come from? And why is it now one of the most iconic images associated with the country of Ireland? Leprechauns are mythical small fairies of Ireland, said to bring mischief to anyone who comes across them. They spend most of their time hidden away and collect mounds of gold, which they hide in enormous pots. If ever captured, they can grant three wishes to the human in exchange for their release. But sometimes, those wishes can go awry, as they adore causing trouble. The name leprechaun is derived from the Irish word leipreachán, defined as "a pigmy or sprite". The earliest known reference to the leprechaun appears in the medieval tale known as the Echtra Fergus mac Léti (Adventure of Fergus son of Léti). The text contains an episode in which Fergus mac Léti, King of Ulster, falls asleep on the beach and wakes to find himself being dragged into the sea by three lúchorpáin (a deviation of leprechaun). He captures his abductors, who grant him three wishes in exchange for release.

The appearance of the leprechaun depends on what part of the country you are in. Prior to the 20^th century, the leprechaun adorned a red suit as opposed to the famous green suit of today. They are small creatures, small enough to sit on one’s shoulder. Legend says that they inhabited the Isle of Ireland long before the arrival of the Celts. They are also said to be great musicians, adept at playing the fiddle, whistles and the harp. I am reminded here of the iconic scene when Darby comes upon their lair, gold flowing everywhere and the sounds of Irish musicians whimsically playing their instruments.

Who knows exactly who invented the idea of the leprechaun. Throughout the years however, it has blossomed into a wonderful legend for all ages and a distinct icon for Ireland.