There are No female Leprechauns

Isn't that something I'm sure most of us have never thought about?

But in honour of St Patrick's day (a day late) I wanted to talk about the mythology of these little creatures that capture our imagination and also ask why of all the Saints, Patrick gets such a big reception from so many nationalities.

Lets start with the Leprechauns. What do we know about them?

• They are short
• They are Irish
• They like to wear green
• They guard gold at the end of rainbows 
• And they are all male 

Many mythical creatures have faded from our memory and only exist in the literature of the time they were believed in. Not the case for our little green friends. But they have changed over the years.

For instance their fashion choice wasn't usually green before the 20th century, from medieval to Victorian times they wore red. And their dress often change depending on the region they came from. For instance Northern Irish Leprechauns were noted to wear red military clothing.

The gold at the end of the rainbow thing is a rather new addition to the mythology too. The first stories of Leprechauns date back to when Ireland had kings. Fergus MacLeti, King of Ulster was dragged into to the sea by Leprechauns (who knew they came from the sea?) but he managed to capture his captors and they offered him wishes in exchange for freedom. So Leprechauns were wish granters not gold hoarders. They are often shoe makers in the older myths too. A cosy picture that clashes with the kidnapper image. 

And of course, they are all male ... my research has produced no reason for this. We can only speculate. 

Creatures of Scottish mythology like Selkies are both male and female because they had a relationship with humans. Leprechauns and humans seem to be enemies. Selkies were creatures of desire. Leprechauns seem to be something you scare your children and wandering strangers with. So why invent families and communities for them. They are mainly loners, why would they need female companionship? Also they are nasty and mischievous, maybe considering the time period they were created, those weren't qualities story tellers would have attributed to women. 

Now as for Saint Patrick and why yesterday, in my Scottish city I saw two separate groups of people wearing ridiculous green hats. Well, the truth is, most of us will have some Irish in them. Scottish, English, American, Canadian, we all have histories riddled with Irish immigrants, bringing bright culture and rustic charm that most industrialised countries mourn the loss of. 

The truth is Ireland is just as modern as the rest of us but when we think of Ireland we think of green hills and communities and of course, folksy myths. Very different from the reality but so long as the picture is there, people will want to capture it in their own way.