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Leprechauns: The Myths, Legends, & Lore
Explore the magic, mischief, and mystery behind Ireland’s most iconic and beloved mythical the leprechaun.
Leprechauns have been at the heart of Irish culture for years, capturing our hearts and minds alike—but how much do we really know about the leprechaun, anyway? Often depicted as a little bearded man who partakes in mischief, no one knows if he is a fallen angel, diminished god, or son of fairies? What does he do all day? And what’s the story behind that hidden pot of gold?
In Leprechauns , prominent folklorist Bob Curran looks at the origins of this hero of Irish lore. He explores the superstitions surrounding the leprechaun and his enduring place in popular culture, and turns the spotlight on the “real” leprechaun—enigmatic, complex, and contradictory.
The perfect read for St. Patrick’s Day—or any time you wish to delve into the thrilling world of a timeless legend— Leprechauns is an essential addition to the collection of all lovers of myth and folklore.
Leprechauns have been at the heart of Irish culture for years, capturing our hearts and minds alike—but how much do we really know about the leprechaun, anyway? Often depicted as a little bearded man who partakes in mischief, no one knows if he is a fallen angel, diminished god, or son of fairies? What does he do all day? And what’s the story behind that hidden pot of gold?
In Leprechauns , prominent folklorist Bob Curran looks at the origins of this hero of Irish lore. He explores the superstitions surrounding the leprechaun and his enduring place in popular culture, and turns the spotlight on the “real” leprechaun—enigmatic, complex, and contradictory.
The perfect read for St. Patrick’s Day—or any time you wish to delve into the thrilling world of a timeless legend— Leprechauns is an essential addition to the collection of all lovers of myth and folklore.
- GenresNonfictionMythology
224 pages, Hardcover
Published February 12, 2019
17 people are currently reading
153 people want to read
About the author
Bob Curran
55 books53 followersBOB CURRAN is an educational psychologist in Coleraine University. His interests are broad-ranging but are focused especially on history and story. He has written several books, including The Field Guide to Irish Fairies, The Wolfhound Guide to the Shamrock, Creatures of Celtic Myth, The Truth about the Leprechaun.
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
June 3, 2021
A fascinating deep dive into the legends and lore of Ireland's little people. Bob Curran introduces us to these mysterious denizens who inhabit the hedgerows, the bushes, the forests, the raths, and the just about everywhere above and below the ground throughout the emerald isle.
What surprised me most as I read about the leprechauns, their societies, occupations, where they lived, what they ate and of course, what they drank; was the fact that there was a dark side to their existence, not quite the frolicking little imps that you would expect if you were to meet a leprechaun face to face. In fact, if you happen to offend these little people, they could wreak havoc, cause harm and even death if circumstances warranted. However, if you happen to catch one in their wake, they must drop whatever they're carrying, including their pots of gold!
In between the lessons of the leprechauns, Curran weaves stories passed down from generation to generation, some darker than others, some quite scary and even haunting.
While the leprechaun population is in decline today, according to Curran, many tales and traditions are carried on by the believers in the little people.
A wonderful read so full of the spirit of Ireland!
What surprised me most as I read about the leprechauns, their societies, occupations, where they lived, what they ate and of course, what they drank; was the fact that there was a dark side to their existence, not quite the frolicking little imps that you would expect if you were to meet a leprechaun face to face. In fact, if you happen to offend these little people, they could wreak havoc, cause harm and even death if circumstances warranted. However, if you happen to catch one in their wake, they must drop whatever they're carrying, including their pots of gold!
In between the lessons of the leprechauns, Curran weaves stories passed down from generation to generation, some darker than others, some quite scary and even haunting.
While the leprechaun population is in decline today, according to Curran, many tales and traditions are carried on by the believers in the little people.
A wonderful read so full of the spirit of Ireland!
May 1, 2022
When I was looking for the next MLM (Myths, Legends & Lore) book to read, I really didn't think there was much to the leprechaun legend. However, as a longtime collector of books and series, especially aesthetically pretty ones, I was compelled to buy it so at least it could look nice with the books.
Leprechauns are an interesting and somewhat unpleasant legend. They often take center stage every March 17th in honor of St. Patrick's Day. Because leprechauns have such an evil mentality to them due to their greed, manipulation, magical abilities and chaotic natures, it's almost shameful that they are immediately connected to St. Patrick and his holiday.
Like Unicorns , Leprechauns are indigenous to the British Isles and so much of the book was about the Leprechaun lifestyle or the Who? What? How? as I like to call it. My reading has taught me that leprechauns are evil and lecherous little bastards that are usually written as the spawn of fairies and demons.
Similar to the unicorn myth, the leprechaun has been diminished to a cute cartoonish character like Lucky from the Lucky Charms cereal and the football mascot of Notre Dame University. Therefore the actual legend itself has been lost in watered down pop culture fantasy. However, the leprechaun world and the society is as unique as any mythological creature can get. From what they wear, to what they eat and drink, even the places than can and cannot go.
Much of the book was actually folk stories and supposed sightings of leprechauns and the madness that usually ensues when coming upon them. Leprechauns didn't have the same art content that the other books have, but still has the same charming appeal with its vibrant green cover and theme. I'm glad I got the book and found that the leprechaun for all it's wiles and wrongs is still a beloved symbol of Ireland because its the embodiment of Ireland's fierce and steadfast nature as well.
Leprechauns are an interesting and somewhat unpleasant legend. They often take center stage every March 17th in honor of St. Patrick's Day. Because leprechauns have such an evil mentality to them due to their greed, manipulation, magical abilities and chaotic natures, it's almost shameful that they are immediately connected to St. Patrick and his holiday.
Like Unicorns , Leprechauns are indigenous to the British Isles and so much of the book was about the Leprechaun lifestyle or the Who? What? How? as I like to call it. My reading has taught me that leprechauns are evil and lecherous little bastards that are usually written as the spawn of fairies and demons.
Similar to the unicorn myth, the leprechaun has been diminished to a cute cartoonish character like Lucky from the Lucky Charms cereal and the football mascot of Notre Dame University. Therefore the actual legend itself has been lost in watered down pop culture fantasy. However, the leprechaun world and the society is as unique as any mythological creature can get. From what they wear, to what they eat and drink, even the places than can and cannot go.
Much of the book was actually folk stories and supposed sightings of leprechauns and the madness that usually ensues when coming upon them. Leprechauns didn't have the same art content that the other books have, but still has the same charming appeal with its vibrant green cover and theme. I'm glad I got the book and found that the leprechaun for all it's wiles and wrongs is still a beloved symbol of Ireland because its the embodiment of Ireland's fierce and steadfast nature as well.
October 12, 2021
Lots of interesting information presented in an entertaining way. I learned a lot, and look forward to reading more of this series.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews