Why do we associate leprechans with ireland?

Question

What is the myth behind leprechans?

Answer 1

The name leprechaun may have derived from the Irish leath bhrogan (shoemaker), although its origins may lie in luacharma'n (Irish for pygmy). These apparently aged, diminutive men are frequently to be found in an intoxicated state, caused by home-brew poteen. However they never become so drunk that the hand which holds the hammer becomes unsteady and their shoemaker's work affected.
Leprechauns have also become self-appointed guardians of ancient treasure (left by the Danes when they marauded through Ireland), burying it in crocks or pots. This may be one reason why leprechauns tend to avoid contact with humans whom they regard as foolish, flighty (and greedy?) creatures. If caught by a mortal, he will promise great wealth if allowed to go free. He carries two leather pouches. In one there is a silver shilling, a magical coin that returns to the purse each time it is paid out. In the other he carries a gold coin which he uses to try and bribe his way out of difficult situations. This coin usually turns to leaves or ashes once the leprechaun has parted with it.However, you must never take your eye off him, for he can vanish in an instant.

The leprechaun 'family' appears split into two distinct groups - leprechaun and cluricaun. Cluricauns may steal or borrow almost anything, creating mayhem in houses during the hours of darkness, raiding wine cellars and larders. They will also harness sheep, goats, dogs and even domestic fowl and ride them throughout the country at night. Although the leprechaun has been described as Ireland's national fairy, this name was originally only used in the north Leinster area. Variants include lurachmain, lurican, lurgadhan.

Answer 2

the story goes that before the celts took over ireland it was inhabited by the tuatha de dannon. the celts took it over and the tuatha had to move under ground. it was believed that the little people were the decendants of the tuatha; and that they ventured out and people really claimed to have seen them.
the mounds that they were said to live in roughly fit the descriptions of flying saucers that are resting on the ground. the little greys and the flying saucers are the present cultures gift to the more ancient mythologies featuring angels, fairys and little people, and are a direct continuation of them. one thing mankind has always said it saw was these magical/ tech. advanced things. it was that way in ancient times and remains so today.

Answer 3

It is said that they are associated with the celtic rings or forts. It is said they were inhabitants of Ireland, before the arrival of the Celts. So when the Celts came, saw what had lived there before.

Answer 4

I wasn't aware we did.
I associate with sanity not lunacy
Leprechauns are the myth from Ireland all countries have one and
all countries have gullible people and fools who believe.

Answer 5

Leprechaun is an Irish word, so it is logical to associate Ireland with them. In other countries Leprechauns probably exist under another name (fairies, elves, pixies, imps, etc), so it would be impossible to recognise them as Leprechauns.

Works for me!

Answer 6

as i read in some book, the word originated from a fairy figure/immortal whose name goes something like 'lugh the long hand' or so..he features in the settlers of ireland myth who came from the continental europe, near the danube...

Answer 7

leprachauns are only one of the many faery families in ireland

Answer 8

no
i associate guinnes or other drinks that go by the pint with ireland
xD

Answer 9

isn't because it's where the myth originated?

Answer 10

another money making scam....just look in the gift shops...