Leprechaun

Leprechaun
Species information
Skin colour	Green
Related to	Gnome (possibly) Dwarf (possibly)
Native to	Ireland
Alternative names	Clauricorn
Height of average adult	up to six inches
Ministry of Magic Classification	Beast XXX

The Leprechaun, sometimes known as the Clauricorn, is a mischievous magical creature, although it is not malicious. They have a reputation as pranksters, but have never inflicted lasting damage on a Human. Native only to Ireland, they are fully sentient and capable of speech but have never requested the Ministry of Magic to reclassify them as Beings.

Physical appearance

Green in colour, the Leprechaun reaches a height of around six inches, and normally wear clothing made out of leaves. Leprechauns main diet consists of vegetation, primarily leaves.

Although they are humanoid-like creatures, it is unlikely that they are related to humans or any other human-related beings, such as goblins. They are in fact more related to Gnomes and Dwarves as well.

Habitat and traits

Leprechauns live in forests and wooded areas, and they enjoy attracting Muggle attention to themselves. This tendency has led to them being heavily integrated into Muggle children's stories and legends. Leprechauns have the ability to create a gold-like substance that disappears, much to their amusement, after a few hours. Much of this Leprechaun gold is created in the form of Galleon coins.

History

Ludo Bagman paid Fred and George Weasley in Leprechaun gold-galleons when he lost a bet concerning the Ireland and Bulgaria Quidditch teams during the Quidditch World Cup. Ron paid Harry in it as well to cover the cost of the Omnioculars that Harry got for him to view the match. Ron was very upset when he found out the gold disappeared, and that he hadn't really paid back Harry at all, but Harry didn't mind.

Behind the scenes

• The leprechaun is a fairy-like creature from Irish mythology. They are generally depicted as tiny old men with red hair and beards, clad in green, who make shoes, hide coins in pots of gold hidden at the ends of rainbows, and cause mischief. "Clauricorn" is presumably derived from clurichaun, an evil variety of leprechaun associated with drunkards.
• Warwick Davis, the actor who portrayed Professor Filius Flitwick and Griphook the goblin, has also starred as a leprechaun in the Leprechaun film series. His character is 3'6" (his height in real life), which is three feet taller than the Leprechauns described in this article.

Appearances

• Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (First appearance)
• Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (film)
• Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Mentioned only)
• Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them
• Quidditch Through the Ages (Mentioned only)