Leprechauns are a type of elf, larger than the fairy folk. For centuries, they have been the shoemakers for the fairy folk, but they are a bit mischievous and will make only one shoe - never two.
They are described as being little fellows (about two foot tall) dressed in old-fashioned looking clothes; green colored coats, red trousers, a leather apron, a green wide brimmed hat, and buckled shoes. Most often, he will be smoking a clay pipe.
He carries two leather pouches. One contains a silver shilling (a coin used in the United Kingdom). This coin is magical and returns to the purse each time it is paid out. In the other he carries a gold coin 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.
Leprechauns are the protectors of fairy treasure. They are very thrifty and responsible for keeping the treasure safely hidden. All leprechauns have gold which they usually hide very carefully by burying it in a pot or crock in some spot far from everyone.
According to legend, the leprechaun must give up his treasure to the one who catches him. Many people have tried to find the leprechauns' gold. Rainbows reveal where pots of gold are hidden, so leprechauns sometimes spend all day moving their crocks from one spot to another to prevent its theft by humans.
Many treasure hunters attempt to capture leprechauns because according to legend, he must then reveal the location of his gold. He will promise you anything, great wealth or magic wishes, if you let him go free. Be very careful; leprechauns are tricky and sly. If you take your eye off of them for even an instant, they will vanish. Even if you get them to lead you to the location of their gold, they will often trick you.
Would you like to catch a leprechaun? We are going to learn how to make a leprechaun trap. Leprechaun traps must be very carefully thought out and no two people should make them exactly the same. Leprechauns are smart and crafty and will recognize the trap if it looks like one someone else made.
Leprechaun Trap
Supplies:
You can make a leprechaun trap out of almost anything you have at hand. Some suggestions are:
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