Leprechauns average about three feet in height according to Irish folklore, but they will be larger than life this weekend, thanks to St. Patrick's Day.
The fact that the Irish-themed hangover holiday falls on a Sunday means people who usually pretend to be Irish for one day a year could stretch it out an extra 24 hours or so.
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If you are one of those weekend warriors, it might be good to brush up on your leprechaun lore before you wear your green or spend your green.
Our leprechaun gallery can help. It's chock full of interesting facts about the mythical creatures and offers prudent advice on how to catch one.
Erin go bragh!
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Before You Go
1
Leprechauns
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Leprechaun tales date back to medieval times. The earliest story is about how the King of Ulster once fell asleep on the beach and wakes to find himself being dragged into the sea by three of the creatures. He captures his abductors, who grant him three wishes in exchange for release.
2
Leprechauns
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Prior to the 20th century, leprechauns were depicted wearing red, not green.
3
Leprechaun As A Living
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The average leprechaun is about three feet high, so portraying a leprechaun can bring lots of green to little people like Brian Thomas, who is the full-time spokes-leprechaun for O'Sheas Casino in Las Vegas (pictured here with Holly Madison and an unidentifed non-leprechaun).
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4
Lucky, The Lucky Charms Leprechaun
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The most famous leprechaun might be Lucky, the mascot of Lucky Charms cereal. He has appeared in commercials since 1963.
5
Leprechauns And Liquor
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Leprechauns are allegedly excellent musicians and known for throwing wild parties where hundreds get together to dance, sing and drink a form of moonshine called Poteen.
6
Leprechaun's Pot Of Gold
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According to legend, leprechauns store their money in a hidden pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. If ever captured by a human, the leprechaun has the magical power to grant three wishes in exchange for his release.
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7
No Female Leprechauns
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An ancient book called "A History Of Irish Fairies" reveals there is no evidence of there being a female leprechaun -- ever. Probably explains why this guy is so angry.
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Leprechauns Are Protected By Law
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Leprechauns are actually protected from destruction under European law. The Sliabh Foy Loop trail in the town of Carlingford, Ireland, is the official protected land for the country’s 236 remaining living leprechauns.
9
Catching A Leprechaun
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If you manage to catch a leprechaun, never take your eye off him or he will vanish. For its freedom, a captured leprechaun will grant you three wishes or a gold coin. However, there are stories of people whose wishes backfired or who went insane trying to decide how to best use their three wishes.
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