In the last Folklore, Fables, and Legends Friday, we discussed the elusive and mischievous creature of myth and lore, the leprechaun. Many today have their own idea and image of a leprechaun, but what about his lesser known cousin, the clurichaun?
Like the leprechaun, the clurichaun is also a mischievous fairy in Irish folklore. But while a leprechaun might be hard at work on shoemaking, clurichauns are known for having a great love of the drink. In fact, these fae creatures tend to hang out in and haunt breweries, pubs, and wine cellars. At times, clurichauns are linked to shoe making and also being a guardian of great, hidden treasure, therefore leading some to suppose the clurichaun as being little more than a 'bar hopping' leprechaun. Then there are other folklorists that regard them as a regional variation of a leprechaun.
Like his slightly more well-behaved cousin, the clurichaun is also a solitary fairy who is encountered alone as opposed to in groups like other trooping fairies.
Clurichauns are featured in the folktale "The Haunted Cellar" which was recorded by Thomas Crofton Croker in 1825. In the story, a clurichaun by the name of Naggeneen haunts a wine cellar belonging to an Irish lord. Naggeneen drinks everything in sight and plays frightening pranks on the very bewildered servants.
Naggeneen's physical description is that of a little man measuring six inches in height with a face like a withered apple, twinkling eyes and a nose red and purple from heavy drinking. His clothing consists of a red nightcap, a short leather apron, light blue stockings, and shoes with large silver buckles. Later on, Naggeneen is discovered by the master of the house, but the clurichaun manages to talk the lord out of moving by implying that he (the clurichaun) would simply follow him (perhaps this would be a good story to be read in a future Tavern Livestream episode).
Other stories involving the Clurichaun is Billy MacDaniel's "Master and Man" and Thomas Keightley's Little Wildbean, which was written in 1828 for the book Fairy Mythology.
Like his cousin, he is also described as a trickster and practical joker, often disturbing order and quietness, making noise day and night. But despite this reputation, the clurichaun has been known to takesspecial care of the family to whom he has attached himself, endeavoring to protect their property and lives provided he is not interfered with. Besides his love of drinking, the clurichaun also enjoys pipe smoking, and the small disposable clay pipes known as "fairy pipes" that are often found while digging or plowing are said to belong to him. He also knows the secret of making beer from heather.
The Clurichaun is another fascinating creature from old lore, and I personally look forward to reading some of the tales surrounding them. And as I implied earlier, maybe we'll have a Clurichaun night on the Tavern Livestream in the future!
Cheers!
Some sources of interest:
https://www.irishpost.com/life-style/exploring-irish-mythology-clurichauns-170462
https://celticlifeintl.com/leprechauns-and-clurichaun/
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