The Leprechaun is one of the fey folk who are often tricksters and pranksters. Most leprechauns have a trade. Most frequently they are cobblers – shoe makers. Prior to the knowledge of metal working, a cobbler would also make items such as leather armor, shields, clothing, buckets, and more.
Not only are leprechauns tradesmen, and thus well respected in their community, they are reputed to be thrifty – not to say miserly – and therefore often quite rich. They are quite clever about hiding their crocks full of gold.
Although they are often said to be surly, and bad tempered, Leprechauns are also bound by law and are always honest. If you are lucky enough to catch one and question him, he is honor bound to tell you right where he has hidden his gold.
Originally written for my website dedicated to The Tricksters
But be careful – because they are tricksters remember! One leprechaun showed a young man where his gold was buried in an open field beneath a particular ragwort plant. The young man tied a red ribbon to the plant so he could find it again, and – after extracting a promise from the leprechaun not to remove the ribbon – rushed home to get digging tools. When the young man returned he found that every single ragwort plant in the field was now sporting a red ribbon! Hah!
So why is it that this very trusty, honest, hard working fey folk is often so maligned? I think it is because they show us for what we often are – thoughtless and greedy. No wonder they are ill tempered – with humans trying to catch them and steal their hard earned and hoarded gold.
Like the typical trickster they are, Leprechauns poke a hole in our pride using temptation and their quick wits.