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'Leprechauns, Legends
& Irish Tales' by Hugh McGowan
"The Leprechauns and Fir Darrigs, [fear dearg] (Gaelic for Man in Red), of old
Irish Lore date back to the Early Mythological Cycle. The Tuatha De Danann (Tootha Day
Danan), a warrior Race in Ireland from before the time of Celts, who where defeated in a
heroic battle and banished to live underground, to emerge later as dwarfed men with
magical powers. The Fir Darrigs have human like bodies and stand only 3 ft tall. The Fir
Darrig (Red Man) is dwarfish, dresses in red coats and is full of mischief. He has the
power to grant you 3 wishes, but beware what you wish for, the joke may be on you. He
invariably wares a red coat and hat. He is usually old and sports a long white beard, but
he is very fit and lively. There is nothing he likes better than a good ceilidh, (káyli:
áy as in 'day', means party), where he is always in the thick of it, either playing his
pipes or leading the hornpipes and the jigs. He is the same small stature as the
Leprechaun but there the resemblance ends. The Fir Darrig is a great one for jokes. Of
course, he has magical powers and he has been known to help humans to escape who have been
trapped inside the Fairy World. In addition, he has his three wishes to dispense, and if
he likes you they will be granted, for he has the power to make them come true. The Fir
Darrig is a cheerful individual who never sits still for a moment. If he's not engaging in
a vigorous game of hop, step and jump, he's tuning up his pipes for a frollicking reel. If
he's not playing practical jokes on you, he's offering to make all your dreams come true.
The Fir Darrig will take a liking to a family and move in with them, lodging amidst the
rafters in the attic. While he stays, he will keep himself in good cheer by sampling the
wine in the cellar, but he will also protect the household from danger or accident."
'The Vanishing People'
by Katharine Briggs
"Fir Darrig, (The Red Man): A spirit known in Munster whose visits give good luck
to a Farm. He is described as little, about two and a half feet in height, dressed in a
scarlet sugar loaf hat, and a long scarlet coat, with long gray hair and a wrinkled face.
He would come in and ask to warm himself by the fire. It was very unlucky to refuse to let
him in. Keightley"
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