Description of Figure/Doll

A small Irish leprechaun made from pewter and hand painted. Leprechauns are very popular in Irish folklore. They are usually little bearded men, wearing a coat and hat. This figure is wearing a green hat and coat with yellow pants.

Link to higher resolution images at ClipPix

Ireland, Republic

Location: Europe

Capital: Dublin

Main language: English, Irish

Currency: Euro

Figure/Doll

Construction: pewter

Height in Centimeters: 3

Height in Inches: 1

Leprechauns -- The Irish Wee Folk. Be Careful What You Wish For!

Reading Level: 3.56

I live in Ireland, a land of lush fields and enchanted forests. I am not rich. I live in a tiny cottage near a creek. I make a living in a small shoe shop. I not only make shoes, I also repair them.

When I’m not working, I like to go fishing in the creek. Sometimes I fall asleep until I feel a fish jerk of my fishing rod. Then I know I will have fish for supper!

One day I took a long walk in the forest. It was a gorgeous day. The sun was shining high in the sky. The birds were signing, and the animals were playing.  As I was walking, I heard a tap tap tapping. It sounded like a cobbler hammering nails into shoes. Being a cobbler myself, it was a very familiar beat. 

I slowly and crept to where the tapping came from. What I saw was astonishing. There was a tiny man dressed in green clothing. He had a pointed cap and a long beard.  He was smoking a pipe. The tiny elf-like man fixing a shoe with his hammer.

I had heard of the wee Irish folk called Leprechans.  However, I had never seen one. They are very good at hiding in trees or caves.

I knew that if I caught him, he would grant me three wishes.  So, I decided to create a plan and capture him. Of course, I did not want to hurt him. Instead, I decided to be diplomatic. I gave him my hammer to show him I was also a cobbler. He picked it up with a big smile on his face. He shook his head as if to say thank you. I told him that I wanted to be his friend. I said, “I will not hurt you. I know that you are a Leprechaun and have magical powers. I want you to grant me three wishes.”“What do you want?” he asked. 

“I want to be very rich. I want lots of land. And I want a big house. If you give me these wishes, I will set you free.”

He looked at me and said,” Are you sure that you want these wishes? After I do this, you will not be able to go back to your old life.”

Oh yes,” I replied, “I have wished for these things all of my life. I am sure I will be very happy.”

At that very moment, a flash of lightning sprung from the sky.  I opened my eyes and I found myself on an island. I looked around saw a beautiful house set and lots of open land. I was amazed at the miracle in front of me. This was definitely a serene paradise and I was a very happy man.

The following day, I walked outside to explore my island. I walked for miles, but I did not see another human being. Two months went by and I found myself all alone. Even though I was rich and had a large house, I was extremely lonely. The little cobbler gave me my wishes but I was not happy. Then I remembered his question, “Are you sure you want these wishes?” 

I realize that my answer should have been, “Please allow me to return to my little cobbler shop.  I want to see my friends.”


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