Have you heard about Leprechauns? They are mythical creatures that look like old men wearing green clothes and hats. Found in Irish history and folk tales, they are cobblers that make shoes for fairies. In some cultures, they are shown as sneaky beings that use tricks to fool humans. Legends say they are super-rich, with each Leprechaun owning a pot filled with gold coins. Let us know more detail about ‘Where Does A Leprechaun’s Gold Come From?’.
Where Does A Leprechaun’s Gold Come From?
It is not easy to steal a Leprechaun’s treasure; as they hide their pot of gold in the most dangerous places in the world. But, how do Leprechauns earn their gold?
It is believed that they earn so much gold by making shoes for fairies. Some say that they loot ships and steal all their gold and that is why they hide it.
There’s no end to such theories; as every culture has its own story. Let’s take a look at some of the most well-known theories that are popular in the world.
Cobbling or Shoemaking: Where Does A Leprechaun’s Gold Come From?
Let me make one thing clear; Shoemaking and cobbling were two different concepts in old times. Shoemakers were considered artisans and they were the ones allowed to make new shoes and touch new leather. They earned by selling these shoes to nobles. Meanwhile, cobblers used to mend old and broken shoes and it was considered a commoner’s business.
Leprechauns are great Shoemakers. They make shoes in exchange for gold. But for whom do they make shoes? For humans? Well, not really. According to some stories, they make shoes for fairies. Interesting, isn’t it? As fairies fly; it is hard to believe them wearing shoes. But this theory is much more believable than them building shoes for common people and still owning treasures worth of gold.
They looted gold
There are many theories claiming that Leprechauns used to loot ships and hide the gold they found. This also explains their having vast treasures of gold. In some cultures, Leprechauns are considered crafty creatures who trick humans and steal their money. According to some stories, they looted the treasure of dragons.
They find treasures
It is also believed that Leprechauns found their treasure scattered across the universe and hid it at the end of the rainbow. Some consider them travelers roaming through different worlds and collecting gold.
Are Leprechauns Elves?
With their small old man-like physique and clothes that seem to resemble Elves; it is hard to believe that they’re not related. Some experts say that the Irish Leprechauns are Elves that fled to Ireland. It isn’t easy to prove this because Leprechauns hid their ears with their hats. So, one can’t see if they have pointed ears like the Elves.
Although there is a significant difference between them. Elves are spiritual beings that are also considered spirits of nature in many cultures. Thus, they are seen as pure. Meanwhile, Leprechauns are cunning, tricksters, and greedy for gold. One theory claims them to be a hybrid of two creatures; one a water spirit and the other a drunkard creature with unknown origins. This can be true because Leprechauns are also drunkards obsessed with alcohol.
Have you ever heard the story of The Elves and The Shoemaker? The shoemaker was worried about the small piece of leather he had and went to sleep thinking about it. But some Elves came in the night and made new shoes out of the leather. The shoemaker and his wife later thanked them by gifting them with new clothes and shoes they made. Some believe that these creatures were Leprechauns, not Elves.
Conclusion
Now we have learnt ‘Where Does A Leprechaun’s Gold Come From?’, In conclusion, there is no confirmed way of knowing how Leprechauns used to earn gold. The theories differ with each culture or story. But one thing is for sure; their gold didn’t just vaporize out of thin air. They earned it, either by ethical or unethical means. They are also associated with Elves due to their spiking resemblance with each other.
In the end, they are just mythical creatures that existed in folk tales and cultures. So, there is no physical proof of knowing more about them.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
- Are there no female Leprechauns?
No one knows about the existence of any Female Leprechaun. So, we don’t know if these creatures were born or not. Also, they were quite old in appearance. So, it can be that they were creatures that couldn’t die by old age. And their numbers decreased due to excessive hunting.
- How big are Leprechauns?
A Leprechaun’s height is said to be between three to fifteen inches. They are quite small just like the Elves.
- What happens if someone caught a Leprechaun?
The person that has caught a Leprechaun or at least stolen one of their possession will get access to his treasure. You can exchange their belongings for a small amount of their treasure. They can also grant the person’s three wishes.
- How do Leprechauns trick humans?
A Leprechaun will ask you to solve a riddle or trick you into getting involved in a dangerous situation. They like playing pranks and sometimes these pranks also go out of hand.
