St. Patrick's Day brings popular images of leprechauns - cute, comical and dancing about ... jealously protecting their pots o' gold. They are seen as "fiercely" sweet but being oh so terribly tiny, can only trick human beings, rather than fighting a fair fight. But don't forget that leprechauns are of the same ilk as banshees (who foretell death), changelings (ancient creatures who secretly take the place of human babies) and also of béfinds. Remember fairy godmother #13 who cursed Sleeping Beauty to die? Yeah, you want to keep on the good side of a béfind. Also, what we mortals call fairies were perhaps gods and goddesses; once upon a long time ago. Most are part of the Tuatha Dé Danann, an ancient race that arrived in Ireland many eons ago, or they are at least descended from them. So in order to please a leprechaun, we need to replace the current cute image and choose one that garners a bit more respect. He is a very small, old and wizened fairy who makes his home under hills or in fairy mounds. He smokes his pipe for pleasure and works diligently at repairing shoes ... or at least one shoe - why is it only one? I think it's a "smoke screen". The leprechaun is working ... but it is appearance only. He is actually waiting, observing, contemplating and if we can wait long enough, this wise old fellow might remove the pipe from his mouth and let us in on a few secrets about the world. If you would like to gain favour with a leprechaun, I suggest the following:
May you secure the good luck blessings of your local leprechaun this St. Paddy's Day! Meadow Sweet Grove © V. Buchanan 2019 / edited 2021
2 Comments
12/6/2019 06:34:19 am
This is an interesting story, different from the one I used to know. As you have said, the fairies we know are Gods and goddesses, others call them Deity. It was so interesting to read your story and it amazes me to know the details about them. My idea about Leprechaun is that of what I have watched in the movies, bad, old and ugly little man. You have given me a new angle on how should I imagine them.
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Meadow Sweet Grove
12/7/2019 01:44:52 am
Thank you so much for your kind comments! I do think the Leprechaun has been misunderstood and, if shown respect, might be willing to talk a bit and be a very interesting fellow to talk to...though I'm not sure I would turn my back on him!
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