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Leprechauns are often seen as cheerful little shoemakers guarding pots of gold—but their origins are far more complex, and much darker.

In this episode, we explore the folklore roots of leprechauns in Irish mythology, tracing their connection to older fairy traditions, solitary spirits, and trickster entities. We look at how these figures evolved through oral storytelling during times of hardship—particularly during the mass emigration of Irish people in the 19th century—and how their image was reshaped into the playful mascot we recognize today.

But beneath the green coats and gold coins lies something older… something not always friendly. 

Sources & Further Reading (Condensed & Credible)

• Briggs, K. M. (1976). A Dictionary of Fairies. Penguin Books.
• Evans-Wentz, W. Y. (1911). The Fairy-Faith in Celtic Countries. Oxford University Press.
• Yeats, W. B. (1888). Fairy and Folk Tales of the Irish Peasantry.
• Duffy, S. (Ed.). (2005). Atlas of Irish History. Gill & Macmillan.
• National Museum of Ireland – Folklore Collections
• Duchas.ie – The Schools’ Collection (Irish oral folklore archives)
• Ó Súilleabháin, S. (1967). Irish Folk Custom and Belief.