Every Irish child has tried to find the end of a rainbow where folklore tells that a leprechaun has hidden his pot of gold. Strangely enough, those who succeed in following the rainbow to its origin always discover they've chosen to search at the wrong end. No one has ever been able to reach both ends of the same rainbow before it fades from view. Of course, this whole story may be just another of the tricks these mischievous little Irish elves love to play on humans.
Leprechauns are mythical little male fairies about two feet high, who live in Ireland, sometimes in farmhouses or wine cellars. They have rosy red noses and cheeks, pointed ears, and dress in little green suits with black bowler hats. They usually wear leather aprons because they work as shoemakers, making footwear for the other elves and sprites in the Emerald Isle. You will always see them with handsome, shiny, black boots with silver buckles. They are very good at their trade, and make the best footwear for themselves.
Legend has it that long ago the Danes plundered Ireland. They left their gold with the leprechauns to guard and never returned to claim it. The little men put it in pots and buried it, but they must give it up to anyone who captures them. The wee creatures are very clever, and hardly ever have they lost one of the pots of treasure. Pay attention now and I'll tell you some secrets which will give you the best chance to catch one.
First you must travel to Ireland. Go out into the green hills and fields. Every now and then put your ear to the ground and listen for the sound of a cobbler's hammer. When you hear it, approach very quietly. If he hears you, he'll run away. If you manage to sneak up, grab the leprechaun by the arm and hang on tight. Because you're larger, you'll be much stronger, but a leprechaun can be very wiggly when he's cornered.
At first, he'll try to bribe you to let him go. He'll pull out a pouch with a silver coin and offer it to you in exchange for his freedom. Don't take it. As soon as he's safely away, the silver coin will magically return to the pouch in his pocket and you'll be out of luck.
Next, he'll pull out another pouch and offer you a gold coin. Refuse it. As soon as he's safely away, the gold coin will turn to ashes in your hand and you'll be left with nothing.
Be sure to maintain eye contact with him the whole time. If the leprechaun gets you to glance away for a moment, he can disappear. He'll try every trick to get distract your attention. If he can do so, when you look back, he'll be gone.
If all else fails, he'll offer to grant you three wishes, but you still haven't won. These little people are so clever and tricky, your wishes will be of no more use to you than were the magic coins. It's very hard for a human to outwit a leprechaun. Of course, you may be one of the first who are bright enough to do so, so go ahead and try.
That evening, the leprechaun will probably be found, sitting under a large mushroom, smoking his pipe, his favorite brew in a stein at his side, gazing at the moon and chuckling away to himself. " Aha! I outsmarted another human today. When will the greedy creatures learn they can't outwit a leprechaun? Even if they had a shamrock in their hat and a four-leaf clover in every pocket, I'd still have me gold. Faith and begorra, it's the luck of the Irish, that it is, and it can't be beat!"
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