Monstrum: Leprechaun--From Gold-Loving Cobbler to Cultural Icon

12 minutes 43 seconds

Now Playing As: Captioned (English) (change)

Leprechauns are associated with St. Patrick’s Day and Irish culture, but why? The modern day version is that of a jovial, red-haired little man dressed in green standing next to a pot of gold. The diminutive fairy folk was once more popularly known for their role as tricksters and expert cobblers. Part of the "Monstrum" series.

Media Details

Runtime: 12 minutes 43 seconds

Topic: Arts, Literature
Subtopic: Folklore, Mythology, Storytelling
Grade/Interest Level: 9 - 12
Release Year: 2021
Producer/Distributor: PBS Digital Studios
Series: Monstrum

Color illustration of a grimacing dragon walking through a hazy forest.

Closeup of a portrait of Mary Shelley beside the superimposed silhouette of a shrouded figure with 1 forearm extended.

Dark red background with a silhouette of a large bridge. On it appears a paperback book with the title, "I Am Legend" by Richard Matheson. It has an drawing of a person holding a pole at the edge of a cliff above people falling into flames below.

Shadowy silhouette of a bald figure with both hands up and fingers spread out in front of an eerie blue background.

Black and white image of a male statue holding Kraken's tentacle. A black and white illustration of a man being attacked by Kraken appears under the image. A brown book with gold foil lettering that reads, "The Toilers of the Sea" sits to the left of the image.

Fresco of a nude Perseus holding up the head of Medusa. Fresco is surrounded by an ornate gold frame.

Digital image of a wall made of slats with light peeking through a large patched portion in the center.

Closeup of a digital page from the Weekly World News with a headline that reads, "Chupacabra Captured," above the image of an animal in a cage.

Black and white illustration of Godzilla baring its teeth and gripping an object. The word, "Kreeeonk!" cuts diagonally across the bottom right corner.

Closeup of a rock face erupting with small fires through its cracks.