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Forget everything you think you know about leprechauns.
I mean, except that they’re short. That’s pretty much universally agreed upon. And they’re mischievous. And they make shoes. And hoard treasure.
And despite what you may have read on Facebook, leprechauns are not African pygmies (we’ll get into it), they’re figures from Irish folklore.
Although it’s possible the word leprechaun is rooted in the Latin Luperci, a reference to young aristocrats who would run around naked during the ancient Roman festival of Lupercalia—we’ll get into that as well.
I promise you I will leave no stone unturned, no crock of gold undiscovered at the end of the rainbow, and no box of leprechaun-themed cereal unopened in this hard-hitting exposé on the leprechaun’s origins and etymology.
Of course, we’ll also explore the leprechaun’s perennial popularity, its perseverance as a global pop culture icon.
Let’s dive in.
P.S. Now that you know the truth about leprechauns…
Want to know the truth about Saint Patrick? Check out…
Saint Patrick in Your Pocket
Separate man from myth, fact from folklore, in this small but mighty pocket guide dedicated to uncovering lesser-known facts about Ireland’s most beloved patron saint. Armed with answers to these 20 tantalizing questions, you’ll be the smartest reveler in the room at your next Saint Patrick’s Day party. Learn more…
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