The Truth About Leprechauns

by Robert Curran

From the origins of this hero of Irish lore to his habits, occupations and characteristics. This book offers enlightenment on little-known aspects of the wider fairy world, as well as turning the spotlight on the real leprechaun.

Every country has its own myths about fairies and 'wee folk', but the Irish leprechaun is the undisputed king. To some, he is an impish figure full of harmless mischief, forever guarding his elusive crock of gold. To others, he is an evil gnome bent on disrupting the lives of mortals with his black magic and malevolent acts.

Historian and folklorist Bob Curran looks at the origins of this hero of Irish lore – fallen angel, diminished god or son of fairies – and at his habits, occupations and characteristics. He explores the superstitions surrounding the leprechaun and his enduring place in popular culture, and turns the spotlight on the 'real' leprechaun – mysterious, complex and contradictory.

179 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 6, 2017

About the author

Psychologist Robert Curran is an well-known expert in folklore and the paranormal, who has written dozens of fascinating books on faeries, vampires,werewolves and stranger things. His most recent book is The Ghost Handbook, a study of ghost fiction and possibly ghost fact.

Reviews

[Anna Garczyńska · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has been a birthday gift from a Leprechaun Museum in Dublin and I have absolutely loved this book! It reads itself so fast, the lingo is playful and it is packed with ''facts'' and cool stories/legends. The whole structure of the book from focusing on the leprechaun's descendance to their looks, habits, occupations and yes... politics and society.
Very witty and humorous book within a fantastic artisan cover.

One of my favourite reads.

[Janice Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked this up in a trip to Ireland, and it’s a great collection of stories about leprechauns. The writer talks about the legends and folklore around these popular icons.