We should perhaps begin with a very basic definition of this character
             from Irish folklore. The leprechaun, as Rose (1998) defines him, is a sort
             of fairy who takes the form of a tiny old man who does indeed often wear
             the cocked hat that he is represented as wearing in contemporary popular
             representations. Traditionally - although this is usually not the case any
             longer - he was depicted wearing a leather work apron something like that
             worn by a cobbler or a farrier - or perhaps a goldsmith since the
             leprechaun is associated with the most precious of metals rather than base
             iron. The leprechaun is a solitary individual who lives in remote places,
             often making shoes (although exactly for whom is not always clear - he may
             be related to other sorts of fairies who leave shoes in the homes of poor
             families with many barefoot children. His hammering at his trade is often
             the key to his discovery by humans. If these humans can capture him and
             threaten him convincingly then he may tell them where he - like all
             leprechauns - keeps his secret pot of gold. But if his human capturers
             glance away - which the leprechaun will tempt them to do in a variety of
             ways - he will vanish along with any chance that the humans had of
             The following is a typical description of the leprechaun:
             The Leprechaun is a solitary faery who does not enjoy working with his
             fellow creatures and keeps to himself unless there is a party, at which
             time he gets very drunk and very social. There are numerous stories of
             persons who have accidentally come upon an open burgh and witnessed these
             Leprechaun revels. Occasionally they feel moved to invite humans to join
             them. Feel free to accept their invitation, but do not drink, eat, or dance
             Music, dancing, fox hunting, and drinking Irish whiskey are
             said to be the Leprechauns' favorite pastimes. They love to
             dance and are a...