Video: Primordial Dwarfism, Source of Leprechaun Legends?

Kenadie (primordial dwarfism) w Jake Petruzzelli (Achondroplastic Dwarfism) Both age 2

Possible Archaeological Evidence for Small-Statured Peoples

There is some archaeological evidence that small-statured human populations may have once inhabited parts of the British Isles and other regions:

• Excavations in Scotland, Hawaii, and the Philippines have uncovered skeletal remains of individuals believed to be members of ancient “little people” populations[4].
• However, the precise size and classification of these remains is still debated, as DNA analysis has often been inconclusive[4].
• Some researchers have speculated these small-statured individuals may have resulted from conditions like insular dwarfism, Laron syndrome, or congenital hyperthyroidism[4].

Potential Links to Leprechaun Folklore

The search results also explore potential connections between these archaeological findings and the folklore surrounding leprechauns and other “little people” in Irish and Celtic traditions:

• The earliest known literary reference to leprechaun-like creatures dates back to the 8th century in the medieval tale “Echtra Fergus mac Léti”[1].
• Leprechauns are traditionally described as small, dwarf-like fairy creatures who enjoy practical jokes and guarding pots of gold[1][3].
• Some researchers suggest the leprechaun legend may have origins in ancient beliefs about small-statured humanoid beings inhabiting the landscape[2][5].
• However, the search results note that the cultural attributes of leprechauns, such as their skills as shoemakers and craftsmen, go beyond simple explanations of physical stature[4].

While there is some intriguing archaeological evidence for the historical existence of small-statured human populations in parts of the British Isles and beyond, the precise origins and connections to leprechaun folklore remain a matter of ongoing research and debate[1][2][4]. The search results do not provide a definitive answer, but suggest there may be a complex interplay between physical evidence and mythological traditions[4].

According to littlekenadie.com:

Kenadie Jourdin-Bromley … was born Feb.13, 2003, weighing just 2 lbs, 8 ounces. Doctors were at a loss as to why she was born so small … at the age of 8 months, Kenadie was finally diagnosed with primordial dwarfism, a genetic condition that is believed to affect only about 100 people in the world. She isn’t expected to grow past about 30 inches or weigh more than 8 pounds…. Nearing the age of four, Kenadie now walks, runs, laughs, smiles and is beginning to talk.

This is the most amazing family portrait! As I see it, Kendie raises the possibility that WE are the hobbits, angels, leprechauns , etc. from our own legends. The right two people getting together who carry these rare genes will have this amazing result… which happens about once for every 3 million kids born.

If Kendie were to meet a male with primordial dwarfism, and if they were to have children, would the odds be 50% that they would have children of their same stature? Or… is it possible that two people with the genes for primordial dwarfism to have a human child as small to them as they are to us?

Meanwhile, back down to Earth, as you can imagine raising Kenadie presents special challenges. If you’d like to help you can donate on littlekenadie.com (PayPal accepted).

Some history:

Caroline Crachami was the first recognized individual with primordial dwarfism. She was born in Palermo, Italy in 1815. The exact history is unclear, but she traveled with a “Dr. Gilligan” with whom she did many appearances and exhibitions in London. Various descriptions arose from these exhibitions. She reportedly knew enough English to express herself fluently and her voice was described as thin and high-pitched.

 

Shortly before her death in 1824, a journalist named William Jerdan published her measurements. Her height was 19 ¬Î© inches, the length of her foot, 3 1/8 inches and the length of her forefinger, 17/8 inches. Her head circumference was measured at 123/8 inches and her waist circumference, 11 ¬º inches. He wrote:

 

“Only imagine a creature about half as large as a new-born infant; perfect in all its parts and lineaments, uttering words in a strange, unearthly voice, understanding what you say and replying to your questions. Imagine I say, this figure of about 19 ¬Î© inches in height and 5 pounds in weight, and you will have some idea of this most extraordinary phenomenon.” – pd

 

Citations

^{[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leprechaun
[2] https://historum.com/t/fairies-pixies-leprechauns-and-little-people.80838/
[3] https://www.thecladdagh.com/blog/leprechauns-an-irish-legend
[4] https://www.ancient-origins.net/human-origins-religions/little-people-0014716
[5] https://emeraldisle.ie/chronicle}