The legend of St. Patrick tells how he helped rid Ireland of snakes. As a priest in Ireland, Patrick wanted to help the people who were afraid of snakes living on the island. He played his drum loudly, causing all the snakes to slide away. Patrick then walked all over Ireland until the last snake was gone. The people were thankful and called Patrick a saint. Today no snakes are found in Ireland.

2. The Legend of St. PatrickThe Legend of St. Patrick
This is a famous
Irish legend.
Ireland is an
island in the
Atlantic Ocean.

3. The Legend of St. PatrickThe Legend of St. Patrick
A long time ago
there lived a
priest in Ireland.
His name was
Patrick.

4. The Legend of St. PatrickThe Legend of St. Patrick
In Ireland there
lived many
snakes, too.
People were
afraid of snakes.

5. The Legend of St. PatrickThe Legend of St. Patrick
Patrick wanted to
help. How could
they get rid of the
snakes?

6. The Legend of St. PatrickThe Legend of St. Patrick
He took a drum
and played it
loudly – and all
the snakes slid
away. Patrick
walked all over
the island, until
the last snake was
gone.

7. The Legend of St. PatrickThe Legend of St. Patrick
The people were
very happy. They
called Patrick a
saint. Today you
can't find any
snakes in Ireland.

8. TheThe RealReal StoryStory
• St. Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland.
• We think he was born in 385 AD in Britain.
• At age 16, he was captured and sold into
slavery in Ireland.
• During his captivity, he became a very
devout Christian.
• When he escaped six years later, he went on
to spend 12 years in a monastery.
• He then returned to Ireland as a missionary.
• St. Patrick is credited with bringing
Christianity to Ireland.
• We think he died on March 17, 461.

9. ShamrocksShamrocks
• One symbol associated with St.
Patrick’s Day is the shamrock.
• A shamrock is a three-leaf clover.
• The three leaves represent Ireland’s
magic number and the Holy Trinity.
• Shamrocks are believed to bring
good luck.
Feel like coloring? Click here for a printable
shamrock coloring page!

10. LeprechaunsLeprechauns
• Another St. Patrick’s Day symbol is a
leprechaun.
• A leprechaun is a small Irish fairy.
He is known as being mischievous
and unfriendly.
• Leprechauns spend their time
looking for and guarding treasure.
• If you catch a leprechaun, he must
tell you where his treasure is!
Want to catch a leprechaun? Click here for
instructions to make a leprechaun trap!

11. GreenGreen
• Ireland is known as
the “Emerald Isle”.
• You must wear green
on St. Patrick’s Day—
if you don’t, you may
get pinched!
• Many things are
green on St. Patrick’s
Day: food, beer, and
even the Chicago
River!
Want to see more green things? Click here to learn
about shades of green and things that are green.

12. ResourcesResources
• The Legend of St. Patrick” images and text:
– http://www.grundschule-
englisch.de/lets_do_it/storytelling_patrick.php
• “The Real Story” info:
– http://www.kidskonnect.com/content/view/129/27/
– http://holidays.kaboose.com/saint-patricks-
day/quick_facts.html
• “Shamrocks” info:
– http://www.kidskonnect.com/content/view/129/27/
• “Leprechauns” info:
– http://www.kidskonnect.com/content/view/129/27/
• Photo of Chicago River:
– http://www.surfblogspot.com/index.php/tag/green/