The Leprechauns are an offshoot of the Maltusian race that came to colonize Earth in the distant past.
Biology[]
Leprechauns are a blue skinned humanoid race, around three or four feet tall. Overall they are not much smaller than their Oan cousins. True to their Maltusian heritage, Leprechauns possess natural psychic abilities, although they have regressed to the point of being inferior to the Oans. Although it is possible for a Leprechaun to regain the psychic might of their ancestors through technological assistance.
History[]
At some point in history, a group of colonists from Maltus came to Earth to colonize the planet. In the early days of humanity, when they were still forming their unique civilizations, the Maltusians traveled the world befriending the young race performing their psychic abilities which in those days humanity interpreted as magick. Through their interactions with humans, they were called many names such as elves and nymphs, becoming counselors to princes in India, kings, queens and knights in the courts of Britain.
But due to human nature, which is change, there came a time when the Maltusians were looked upon with suspicion and hostility. The same magicks they performed in the service of humans became the cause for humanity to attack and persecute them. The Maltusians eventually retreated to the land of Ireland, and for a time dwelled, giving the rise of the Leprechaun myth. The Maltusians having forgotten their origins embraced their identities as Leprechauns, sought to avoid humanity in fear of destruction.
Humanity though every encroached to the forests where the Leprechauns dwelled, due to the rise and spread of the former's cities. The Leprechauns then migrated west to avoid detection to North America. There founded a sanctuary for themselves away from man, though it was temporary. Around the 15th century, at the start of the European Colonization of the New World, the Leprechauns had to relocate again from human encroachment. The trace then went west again, always staying ahead of human expansion.
Five hundred years later in the 20th century, Ganthet a Guardian of the Universe sought to re-establish contact with the Oans lost kinfolk as to bolster the ranks of the depleted Green Lantern Corp. To that end he sought the aid of Hal Jordan to seek his lost cousins. Following the traces of abandoned empty Leprechaun settlements, the duo eventually located the Leprechauns.
Ganthet and Hal appeared before the Leprechauns. Though Hal was regarded with concern due to being a human, the Leprechauns recognized that Ganthet was of their kin. The Guardian introduced himself and revealed that he hailed from the stars and wished to restore their birthright. However his words were taken in with disinterest by the Leprechauns, having resigned themselves to fade in the recesses of history in the face of human encroachment. None desires to leave their home to travel with Ganthet, all save an aged Leprechaun named Percival who had mentored many knights of old.
Ganthet though was less than enthusiastic, he nonetheless recruited him as a Green Lantern to join him and Hal Jordan on a mission to save the universe from a former Guardian.
Culture[]
The Leprechauns appear to be more primitive then their Maltusian ancestors and Oan cousins. Though still retain remnants of Maltusian technology such as the Houseplant which they use as dwellings in the forests.
They have lost most of their history and their origins, having forgotten that they were once a spacefaring culture and their majestic heritage as belonging to one of the oldest species in the universe.
Instead they dwell in the forest, living a simple life, aimed at retaining their secrecy. They regard humans with wariness due to the persecution they faced in the past. Overall majority feel downtrodden, believing that they are fated to go extinct due to humanity's ever increasing approach at their doors. Despite this they are content to live their existence in obscurity and forgotten.
Source[]
- Green Lantern: Ganthet's Tale (1992)