Difference between revisions of "Gnome" - New World Encyclopedia

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[[Category:Mythical creatures]]
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[[Image:Nisse_d_apres_nature_ill_jnl_fal.png|thumb|right|A gnome (or "[[Tomte|Nisse]]") hiding behind a [[toadstool]].]]
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[[Image:Nisse_d_apres_nature_ill_jnl_fal.png|thumb|right|A Nisse (gnome) hiding behind a [[toadstool]].]]
  
A '''gnome''' is a [[legendary creature]] characterized by its very small size and subterranean lifestyle. According to the [[alchemy|alchemist]] [[Paracelsus]], gnomes are the most important of the [[elemental]] spirits of the [[classical element]] of [[Earth (classical element)|earth]]; they move as easily through the earth as humans walk upon it, have conical hats, and the sun's rays turn them into stone. In other traditions, they are simply small, misshapen, mischievous [[Sprite (creature)|sprites]] or [[goblin]]s (with pointy caps). Some sources claim they spend the daytime as toads instead of in stone and they are also said to have magical powers that make people feel sad or happy.
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The '''gnome''' is a class of [[legendary creature]]s throughout [[Europe]] and, by cultural transfer, in the [[United States]] that has taken on many different meanings, but most generally refers to very small people, often men, that live in dark places, especially underground, in the depths of forests, or more recently in gardens. Most European ethnic groups have had some kind of gnome legends with local variations. Modern traditions portray gnomes as small, old men wearing pointed hats and living in forests and gardens.
  
The word ''gnome'' is derived from the [[New Latin]] ''gnomus''. It is often claimed to descend from the [[Greek language|Greek]] ''gnosis'', "knowledge," but more likely comes from ''genomos'' "earth-dweller."
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Despite varying forms, gnomes have the common attribute of being able to move through the earth as easily as humans move atop it. [[Paracelsus]], a sixteenth century Swiss [[alchemy|alchemist]] identified gnomes as a class of nature spirits comprising earth elementals (in contrast to the air, water, and fire elementals). The class of gnomes has been considered to include [[satyr]]s, [[pan]]s, [[dryad]]s, [[elf|elves]], [[Brownie (folklore)|brownies]], and [[goblin]]s, some helping plants and animals, some helping humans, some reclusive ones staying underground or in dark forests, perhaps hoarding treasure, and others interacting mischievously or even harmfully with humans.
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{{toc}}
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The garden gnome, first appearing in Germany, has appeared in gardens in many parts of the world and achieved an iconic status in popular culture.
  
Often featured in Germanic [[fairy tale]]s, including those by the [[Brothers Grimm]], the gnome often resembles a gnarled old man living deep underground who guards buried treasure. Because of this, [[Swiss banking|Swiss bankers]] are sometimes disparagingly referred to as the [[Gnomes of Zürich]]. Gnomes feature in the legends of many of central, northern and eastern [[Europe]]an lands by other names: a ''kaukis'' is a [[Prussia]]n gnome, and ''barbegazi'' are gnome-like creatures with big feet in the traditions of [[France]] and [[Switzerland]]. In [[Iceland]], gnomes (''[[vættir]]'') are so respected that roads are re-routed around areas said to be inhabited by them. Further east, ''[[tengu]]'' are sometimes referred to as winged gnomes. Some confusion arises as the gnome is one of many similar but subtly different creatures in European folklore; mythical creatures such as [[goblin]]s and [[dwarf|dwarves]] are often represented as gnomes, and vice versa.
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==Etymology==
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The word '''gnome''' is derived from the [[New Latin]], ''gnomus.'' It is often claimed to descend from the [[Greek language|Greek]] ''gnosis'' ("knowledge,") but more likely comes from ''genomos'' "earth-dweller."<ref> ''Oxford English Dictionary'' (Oxford Press, 1971, ISBN 019861117X). </ref>
  
The [[Finnish language|Finnish]] word ''saunatonttu'', literally translated ''sauna elf'', means a little gnome that was believed to live in a [[sauna]]. He was always treated with respect, otherwise he might cause much trouble for people. It was customary to warm up the sauna just for the gnome every now and then, or to leave some food outside for him. It is said that he warned the people if a fire was threatening the sauna, or punished people who behaved improperly in it – for example slept, or played games or behaved otherwise "immorally" there.
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==Description==
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The depiction of gnomes has changed quite often over the years and remained different in different cultures. Originally many of them were conceived of as ugly, ground dwelling creatures that were less [[humanoid]] than the gnomes of today. In fact, they were more akin to small [[goblin]]s and disfigured [[faeries]], and acted more like [[animal]]s than [[human being]]s. In contrast, modern sources often depict gnomes as diminutive, stout humanoids who wear tall, pointed conical caps and dress in solid colors such as blue, red, or green; in this depiction, the male gnome always has a long white beard.<ref>Online Encyclopedia of Monsters, [http://faerie.monstrous.com/gnomes.htm Gnomes.] Retrieved August 12, 2007.</ref> They have the [[intelligence]] of a human (are sometimes thought to be wiser), and have human-like [[personality|personalities]].  
  
Individual gnomes are not very often detailed or featured as characters in stories, but in [[Germanic folklore]], [[Rübezahl]], the lord over the [[underworld]], was sometimes referred to as a mountain gnome. According to some traditions, the gnome king is called Gob.
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While their appearances may differ, the older and newer traditions do share a similar belief in gnomes' capabilities: They are said to move as easily through the earth as humans walk upon it, and the [[sun]]'s rays turn them into [[stone]]. They are incredibly strong and fast, and said to possess almost [[supernatural]] abilities in the manipulation of natural material (although they also are said to fiercely guard against any unnecessary damage to the earth and wildlife).
  
[[Rudolf Steiner]] lectured at length on gnomes, and especially their supportive role in the development of plant life (and [[biodynamic agriculture]]).  
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==Origin==
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Gnomes first appeared in the oral tradition of [[Northern Europe]]an [[folklore]], and so it is difficult to pinpoint their exact origins. Gnomes share many characteristics with the [[Norse mythology|Norse]] [[dwarf|dwarves]], so much so that it is suggested that at a time in [[Scandinavia|Scandinavian]] tradition, the two were actually interchangeable. At some point, however, a split between gnomes and dwarves occurred. It is not clear if this happened before or after dwarves were assimilated into [[Netherlands|Dutch]] and [[Germany|German]] tradition. What is known is that the modern day depiction of gnomes is more Dutch than Scandinavian. Thus, it is speculated that Dutch tradition created gnomes as they are known today out of Norse dwarves, and from there gnome belief spread to Germany and back into Scandinavia.  
  
Modern sources often depict gnomes as diminutive, stout humanoids who wear tall, pointed conical caps and dress in solid colors such as blue, red or green; in this depiction, the male gnome always has a long white beard.
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In the sixteenth century, the [[Switzerland|Swiss]] [[alchemy|alchemist]] [[Paracelsus]] popularized the gnome when he declared them to be the most important of the [[elemental]] spirits. In his view, gnomes represented the earth, specifically [[stone]] and [[mineral]]s, and possessed the supernatural energies associated within these materials.
  
==Kabouter==
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==Cultural variants==
[[Image:Kabouterkoning-Kyrie_PeterMaas.jpg|thumb|left|200 px|Kabouter King Kyrië in Hoogeloon, the Netherlands]]
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Like many creatures based in oral tradition, every culture that incorporates gnomes views the creatures somewhat differently. Below are descriptions of the most common gnome traditions found in Europe.
'''Kabouter''' is the [[Dutch language|Dutch]] word for [[gnome]]. In folklore and mythology, the Dutch Kabouters are akin to the Scandinavian kind, known as [[Tomte]] and the German [[kobold]]. The term ''kabouter'' was also adopted by a 1970s [[hippie]] movement in [[Amsterdam]] that sprang from the [[Provo]] movement. One of its best known representatives is [[Roel van Duijn]].
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===Scandinavia===
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[[Image:Nisse1.jpg|thumb|left|250px|A ''tomtenisse'' made of wood. A common Scandinavian [[Christmas]] decoration.]]
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The traditional word for gnomes in the [[Scandinavia]]n culture is ''Tomte'' which was originally coined by [[Saint Birgitta]] of [[Sweden]] in the 1300s.<ref name=beryl>Beryl, A Bit of Gnome Lore (2000). </ref> They are also known as ''Nisse'' in [[Norway]] and [[Denmark]]. Gnomes are believed to live for 400 years, are industrious, kind, and wise. [[Family]] is important to them, and they almost always merry. Female gnomes give birth only once, usually to twins. They always live in rural areas, sometimes even on (or below) farms, and will give advice to farmers. They are seen as guardians of nature and animals. Although they are kind to humans, gnomes are still very secretive; they never allow humans to know the location of their burrows, never teach non-gnomes their language, and appear only when they want to.  
  
In [[Dutch mythology]] and [[Dutch folklore]], kabouters are tiny men who live underground or else are household spirits helping in the home. The males have long, full beards (unlike dwarves, who don't always have full beards) and wear tall, pointed red hats. They are generally shy of humans.  
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In more recent times, gnomes have been said to be the helpers of [[Santa Claus]], and in Scandinavia, [[Christmas]] images usually depict gnomes in the role that [[elf|elves]] play in other parts of the Western world.<ref name=beryl/>
  
In the ''Legend of the Wooden Shoes'', an old Dutch folktale, the kabouter teaches the Dutch man how to make [[pile]]s and how to make [[wooden shoe]]s.<ref>''[http://www.surlalunefairytales.com/books/dutch/griffis/woodenshoe.html Legend of the Wooden Shoes]'', as retold by William Elliott Griffis in ''Dutch Fairy Tales For Young Folks.'' New York: Thomas Y. Crowell Co., 1918. (English). Available online by SurLaLane Fairy Tales.</ref>
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===Germany===
 
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[[Image:Moritz von Schwind 008.jpg|thumb|200 px|''Rübezahl,'' [[Moritz von Schwind]], 1859.]]
The Dutch illustrator [[Rien Poortvliet]] played an important part in Kabouter lore with his publication of "Leven en werken van de Kabouter" (English title "Lives and works of the Gnome"), later translated into English and published as "Gnomes".<ref>(1977) ''Gnomes'', Harry N. Abrams Inc., ISBN 0-8109-0965-0 (20th Anniv.) ISBN 0-8109-5498-2 (30th Anniv.)</ref>
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Often featured in [[Germany|Germanic]] [[fairy tale]]s, including those by the [[Brothers Grimm]], the German gnome often resembles a gnarled old man, living deep underground, who guards buried treasure. Because of this, [[Swiss banking|Swiss bankers]] are sometimes disparagingly referred to as the "Gnomes of Zürich." Individual gnomes are not very often detailed or featured as characters in stories, but in Germanic folklore, [[Rübezahl]], the lord over the [[underworld]], was sometimes referred to as a mountain gnome.  
  
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Germany made gnomes famous in the mid-1800s with the first production of the [[Gnome#Garden gnome|garden gnome]] in the town of [[Gräfenroda]] in [[Thuringia]], by [[Phillip Griebel]]. Griebel made [[terracotta]] animals as decorations and created the gnome based on local [[myth]]s as a way for people to enjoy the stories of the gnomes' willingness to help in the garden at night. Gnome manufacture spread across Germany, with numerous large and small manufacturers appearing, each one having its own particular design.
  
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===Netherlands===
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[[Image:Kabouterkoning-Kyrie_PeterMaas.jpg|thumb|left|200 px|Kabouter King Kyrië in Hoogeloon, the Netherlands.]]
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''Kabouter'' is the [[Dutch language|Dutch]] word for gnome. In [[Dutch mythology]] and [[Dutch folklore]], ''kabouters'' are tiny men who live underground or else are household spirits helping in the home. They are generally shy of humans. The males have long, full beards (unlike dwarves, who do not always have full beards) and wear tall, pointed red hats. In the ''Legend of the Wooden Shoes,'' an old Dutch folktale, the ''kabouter'' teaches the Dutch man how to make [[wooden shoe]]s.<ref>William Elliot Griffis, [http://www.surlalunefairytales.com/books/dutch/griffis/woodenshoe.html Legend of the Wooden Shoes] in ''Dutch Fairy Tales For Young Folks'' (New York: Thomas Y. Crowell Co., 1918). Retrieved August 20, 2008.</ref>
  
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The Dutch illustrator [[Rien Poortvliet]] played an important part in Kabouter lore with the publication of ''Leven en werken van de Kabouter'' ("Lives and Works of the Gnome") written by Wil Huygen, later translated into English and published as ''Gnomes.''<ref>Wil Huygen, ''Gnomes'' (Harry N. Abrams Inc., 1977, ISBN 0810909650).</ref>
  
 
==Garden gnomes==
 
==Garden gnomes==
[[Image:P1000744.jpg|thumb|right|Typical German garden gnome]]
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[[Image:German garden gnome.jpg|thumb|right|Typical German garden gnome.]]
 
[[Image:lamport-gnome-replica-amoswolfe.jpg|right|thumb|A replica of Lampy the Lamport gnome.]]
 
[[Image:lamport-gnome-replica-amoswolfe.jpg|right|thumb|A replica of Lampy the Lamport gnome.]]
  
The first garden gnomes were made in the town of Graefenroda in Thuringia, Germany in the mid-1800's by Phillip Griebel. Griebel made terracotta animals as decorations and created the gnome based on local myths as a way for people to enjoy the stories of the gnomes' willingness to help in the garden at night. The garden gnome quickly spread across Germany and into France and England, wherever gardening was a serious hobby. Gnome manufacture spread across Germany with numerous other large and small manufacturers coming into and out of the business, each one having its own particular style of design. WWII was hard on the industry and most producers gave up then. Griebel's descendants still make them and are the last of the German producers, all others having moved production to Poland or China.
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After the first garden gnome was produced in [[Germany]] by [[Phillip Griebel]], the practice quickly spread across all of Germany and into [[France]] and [[England]], wherever [[gardening]] was a serious [[hobby]]. Griebel's descendants still make them and are the last of the German producers, all others having moved production to [[Poland]] or [[China]].
 
 
Traditional gnomes are made from a terracotta clay slurry poured into molds and then the extra is poured back out. The gnome is removed from the mold, allowed to dry, and then fired in a kiln until it is hard. Once cooled the gnome is painted to the level of detail desired and sent off to do his work in someone's garden. More modern gnomes are made from resins and similar materials.
 
 
 
The first ''garden gnomes'' were introduced to the [[United Kingdom]] in 1847 by Sir Charles Isham, when he brought 21 [[terracotta]] figures back from a trip to [[Germany]] and placed them as ornaments in the gardens of his home, [[Lamport Hall]] in [[Northamptonshire]]. Only one of the original batch of gnomes survives: ''Lampy'' as he is known, fully washes himself every Tuesday, and is on display at Lamport Hall, and is insured for one million [[pound Sterling|pounds]].
 
 
 
Garden gnomes have become a popular [[lawn ornament|accessory]] in many gardens, although they are not loved by all. They are often the target of [[prank]]s: people have been known to return garden gnomes "to the wild," most notably [[France]]'s ''"Front de Liberation des Nains de Jardins"'' and Italy's ''"MALAG"'' ([[Garden Gnome Liberation Front]]). Some kidnapped garden gnomes have been sent on trips around the world (the [[travelling gnome prank]]; this later became the basis for [[Travelocity]]'s "Roaming Gnome").
 
  
Due to the recent rise of pranks against gnomes, a website called [http://www.gnomeswithouthomes.com Gnomes Without Homes] was created as an international data base of missing gnomes. The site allows people looking for wayward gnomes to post photos and information that might lead to their return. In addition, GnomesWithoutHomes.com allows gnome-gnappers to post travel photos and information on gnomes that have been abducted.
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Traditional garden gnomes are made from a [[terracotta]] [[clay]] slurry poured into molds. The gnome is removed from the mold, allowed to dry, and then fired in a [[kiln]] until it is hard. Once cooled the gnome is painted to the level of detail desired and sent off to do his work in someone's garden. More modern gnomes are made from [[resin]]s and similar materials.
  
Gnomes have become controversial in serious gardening circles in the UK, and are banned from the prestigious [[Chelsea Flower Show]] as the organisers claim that they detract from the garden designs. Gnome enthusiasts accuse the organisers of snobbery because they are popular in working class and suburban gardens.
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Garden gnomes have become a popular [[lawn ornament|accessory]] in many gardens. In certain locale, however, the garden gnomes have become the target of [[prank]]s: People have been known to return garden gnomes "to the wild," notably [[France]]'s Front de Liberation des Nains de Jardins and [[Italy]]'s MALAG (Garden Gnome Liberation Front). Some [[kidnap]]ped garden gnomes have been sent on trips around the world.
  
 
A sub-culture exists among those who collect garden gnomes, which is frequently lampooned in popular culture.
 
A sub-culture exists among those who collect garden gnomes, which is frequently lampooned in popular culture.
  
 
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Gnomes have become controversial in serious [[gardening]] circles in the [[United Kingdom]], and are banned from the prestigious [[Chelsea Flower Show]] as the organizers claim that they detract from the garden designs. Gnome enthusiasts accuse the organizers of snobbery because gnome figures are popular in working class and suburban gardens.
  
 
==Gnomes in popular culture==
 
==Gnomes in popular culture==
{{cleanup-laundry}}
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Gnomes show up in many books and tales in popular culture. [[L. Frank Baum]]'s ''[[The Wonderful Wizard of Oz]]'' and ''[[The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus]],'' ''[[Ozma of Oz]],'' all featured gnomes (called "nomes"). Legendary author [[J. R. R. Tolkien]] used the word "gnome" in his early work, ''The Book of Lost Tales,'' for the people later called the [[Noldor]] (part of his [[Calaquendi|High Elves]]). However, he dropped the term in his published works, since he found the gnomes of [[folklore]] to be so unlike his High Elves as to confuse his readers.
 
 
*The Gnome King is the principal villain in [[Eva Katherine Gibson]]'s ''[[Zauberlinda the Wise Witch]]''. The book was one of the first to capitalize on [[L. Frank Baum]]'s ''[[The Wonderful Wizard of Oz]]'' and this character leaves one to wonder if it in turn influenced Baum.
 
 
 
*The Gnome King in [[L. Frank Baum]]'s ''[[The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus]]''.  The Gnome King, one of the immortals, wants toys for his children (presumably as fixed in ages as the [[Light Elf]] princes Flash and Twilight), but he does not believe in the concept of gifts, so he trades a string of sleigh bells, one for each of Santa Claus's ten reindeer, in exchange for each gift he receives.  He is also among the council that votes to give Santa Claus the Mantle of Immortality.
 
 
 
*The [[Nome King]] (spelled without the silent "G") and his nome subjects nearly transformed [[Dorothy Gale]] and her friends into bric-a-brac in ''[[Ozma of Oz]]'', the third book in [[L. Frank Baum]]'s ''[[The Wonderful Wizard of Oz]]'' series. The character appeared several times in later [[The Oz books|books in the series]], usually as an ambitious enemy. Fans have debated what relationship, if any, he has to the above character.
 
 
 
*[[J. R. R. Tolkien]] used the word ''gnome'' in his early work ''[[The Book of Lost Tales]]'' for the people later called the [[Noldor]] (part of his [[Calaquendi|High Elves]]). He dropped the term in his published works, since he found the gnomes of folklore to be so unlike his High Elves as to confuse his readers.
 
 
 
*[[Gnomes (Discworld)|Gnomes]] are one of several races on [[Terry Pratchett|Terry Pratchett's]] [[Discworld (world)|Discworld]], where they are also called [[goblins]]. The [[Nac Mac Feegle]] are sometimes considered an ethnic subgroup of gnomes. One notable gnome character is [[Wee Mad Arthur]].
 
 
 
*Nomes (again without a "G") are a race of tiny [[Extraterrestrial life in culture|alien]]s who have been living on Earth for centuries in Pratchett's trilogy of children's books ''[[The Bromeliad]]''.
 
 
 
*''Revenge of the Gnomes'' was a popular 1989 [[Cinema of Korea|Korean film]], banned in several countries for racist dialogue. {{fact}}
 
 
 
*''Gnomes'' and ''Secrets of the Gnomes'' by [[Wil Huygen]] and [[Rien Poortvliet]] are illustrated fictional guidebooks to the mythical creatures, and resulted in the spin-off [[animated series]] ''[[The World of David the Gnome]]''. These are originally written in Dutch, where gnomes are called ''[[Kabouter]]s''. These books depict gnomes as a wise, noble, and civilized race whose natural enemies are the [[troll]]s, due to their contrasting natures.
 
 
 
*In some games, including the [[MMORPG]] ''[[RuneScape]]'', ''[[Dungeons & Dragons]]'' (see [[Gnome (Dungeons & Dragons)]]), ''[[EverQuest]]'', ''[[Horizons: Empire of Istaria]]'', and ''[[World of Warcraft]]'' (see [[Gnome (Warcraft)]]), gnomes are a short race of humanoids closely related to [[dwarf|dwarves]], exceptionally adept at tinkering and mechanics. This often results in they and their allies having technologies not normally found in fantasy settings, such as firearms or robot-like automata.
 
 
 
* In the [[SNES]] RPG ''[[Secret of Mana]]'', Gnome was the guardian of the Earth Temple, found in Gaia's Navel, and the 2nd summon magic available to the player. His magic was primarily earth based: his "black" magic involved using either a stone or gem projectile to attack an enemy or using vines to slow an enemy down; while his "white" magic involved increasing defense and speed, or encasing your weapons (and by extension, your enemies) in stone.  
 
  
*[[J.K. Rowling]]'s ''[[Harry Potter]]'' book series makes a brief mention of garden gnomes. Unlike the common portrayal of congenial, human-like dwarves with beards, the gnomes in Harry Potter are crude creatures "like a potato with legs." To the wizarding community, gnomes are nothing more than an average garden nuisance like a [[Mole (animal)|mole]].
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Some of the most famous works regarding gnomes are ''Gnomes'' and ''Secrets of the Gnomes'' by [[Wil Huygen]] and [[Rien Poortvliet]]. They are illustrated fictional guidebooks to the [[mythical creature]]s, and resulted in the [[animated series]], ''The World of David the Gnome.'' Originally written in Dutch, these books depict the Kabouters (Dutch gnomes) as a wise, noble, and civilized race whose natural enemies are the [[troll]]s, due to their contrasting natures.  
  
*In the American television situation comedy [[3rd Rock From The Sun]] a garden Gnome holding an axe can often be seen as a prop on the apartment living room set. This gnome was commercially available as one of a collection of vinyl garden gnomes manufactured by Chicago garden statuary company, ArtLine, Inc. and originally sculpted by [[Cincinnati]], [[Ohio]] artist Christopher Howes. The gnome with the axe seems to have a bit of a crazed look in his eyes!
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In some [[role-playing game]]s, including ''[[RuneScape]],'' ''[[Dungeons & Dragons]],'' ''[[EverQuest]],'' ''[[Horizons: Empire of Istaria]],'' and ''[[World of Warcraft]],'' gnomes are featured as a short race of [[humanoid]]s, closely related to [[dwarf|dwarves]], exceptionally adept at tinkering and mechanics. They and their allies often have technologies not normally found in fantasy settings, such as [[firearm]]s or [[robot]]-like automata.
 
 
*In [[Lost Magic]], the Gnomes are small, brown dirt-like earth elementals found in Goldsand Dunes; they attack using the horns on the top of their heads.
 
 
 
*In [[Terry Brooks]]' ''[[Sword of Shannara]]'' series, gnomes are a race of short, ugly humanoids that share many common characteristics with the [[goblin]]s of Tolkien's Middle-earth and other works of modern fantasy fiction.
 
 
 
*The French film ''[[Amélie]]'' includes a portrayal of the popular custom of stealing a garden gnome and returning it with pictures of the gnome in various faraway places.  Various other popular works, such as the music video for the [[Matthew Good Band|Matthew Good Band's]] song ''Anti-pop'', similarly depict the practice.
 
 
 
*In ''[[King of the Hill]]'''s 9th season episode "[[Yard, She Blows!]]," Peggy Hill becomes infatuated with a garden gnome named Winklebottom and places it on the front lawn, to the embarrassment of her husband, Hank. Their son Bobby accidentally breaks its ear off, so Hank takes the opportunity to destroy and bury it, telling Peggy it was stolen. Peggy is distraught and Hank, not wanting to continue to lie to Peggy, goes to a German tourist town to buy a new garden gnome, named Figgleforth. Peggy loves her new gnome but suggests it be kept indoors to prevent theft. Hank is delighted until the gnome is placed in his bedroom. He is so creeped out by the gnome that he cannot undress in front of it.
 
 
 
*In the ''Pixie Tricks'' series by Tracey West, Robert B. Gnome is of the Otherworld, given permission by the Fairy Queen to live as a colonist of sorts in the human world. He poses (literally) as a garden statue for much of the time, but can be interacted with as if with a living being.   
 
 
 
*[[The Gnome]] is the eighth track on [[Pink Floyd]]'s debut album ''[[The Piper at the Gates of Dawn]]''.
 
 
 
*[http://ttg.comicgenesis.com/ Tales of the Traveling Gnome] is a popular [[webcomic]] that details the life of a gnome wizard traveling through a very ''[[Dungeons & Dragons]]''-esque world.
 
 
 
*In a fictitious book written by E.G. Khrenson, Gnomes are referred to as a "Cassies."
 
 
 
* Garden gnomes are often used in [[computer and video games|video games]] in relation to [[easter egg (media)|easter eggs]], secrets, and [[cheat code|intentional cheats]]. Examples of games that do this as a recurring gag include ''[[The Sims Bustin' Out]]'' and ''[[Psi-Ops: The Mindgate Conspiracy]]''.
 
 
 
* In the animated TV show ''[[Home Movies (TV series)|Home Movies]]'' an inanimate garden gnome makes an appearance in every episode, often hidden in the background or subtly incorporated into a scene.  It also appears on the DVD menus for the show.
 
 
 
* A group (3 or more) of garden gnomes is often referred to as a gaggle.
 
 
 
* A garden gnome appears in every eposode of the [[Disney Channel]]'s ''[[Higglytown Heroes]]''.
 
 
 
* The ''[[South Park]]'' episode [[Gnomes (South Park episode)|Gnomes]] features gnomes with a [[business plan]] parodying the [[dot.com]] era: 1. Collect underpants; 2. ?; 3. Profit!
 
 
 
*The album artwork for [[George Harrison]]'s ''[[All Things Must Pass]]'' features garden gnomes.
 
 
 
*"The Roaming Gnome" is the official mascot and commercial "spokesman" for the online [[travel agency]] [[Travelocity]].
 
  
 
==Notes==
 
==Notes==
 
<references/>
 
<references/>
  
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==References==
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* Huygen, Wil. ''Gnomes.'' Harry N. Abrams Inc., 2006 (original 1977).  ISBN 0810954982.
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* Huygen, Wil. ''The Complete Gnomes.'' Harry N. Abrams Books, 1994. ISBN 0810931958.
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* Huygen, Wil and Rien Poortvliet. ''Secrets of the Gnomes.'' Harry N. Abrams Inc., 1982. ISBN 0810916142.
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* Russell, Vivian. ''Gnomes.'' Frances Lincoln, 2006. ISBN 0711223254.
  
 
==External links==
 
==External links==
* [http://www.zwerglignomes.com History of gnomes] with pictures showing how they are made
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All links retrieved June 23, 2017.
 
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* [http://www.zwerglignomes.com History of garden gnomes] with pictures showing how they are made  
  
 
{{Credits|Gnome|93872704|Kabouter|126324792|}}
 
{{Credits|Gnome|93872704|Kabouter|126324792|}}

Latest revision as of 08:03, 24 January 2023


A Nisse (gnome) hiding behind a toadstool.

The gnome is a class of legendary creatures throughout Europe and, by cultural transfer, in the United States that has taken on many different meanings, but most generally refers to very small people, often men, that live in dark places, especially underground, in the depths of forests, or more recently in gardens. Most European ethnic groups have had some kind of gnome legends with local variations. Modern traditions portray gnomes as small, old men wearing pointed hats and living in forests and gardens.

Despite varying forms, gnomes have the common attribute of being able to move through the earth as easily as humans move atop it. Paracelsus, a sixteenth century Swiss alchemist identified gnomes as a class of nature spirits comprising earth elementals (in contrast to the air, water, and fire elementals). The class of gnomes has been considered to include satyrs, pans, dryads, elves, brownies, and goblins, some helping plants and animals, some helping humans, some reclusive ones staying underground or in dark forests, perhaps hoarding treasure, and others interacting mischievously or even harmfully with humans.

The garden gnome, first appearing in Germany, has appeared in gardens in many parts of the world and achieved an iconic status in popular culture.

Etymology

The word gnome is derived from the New Latin, gnomus. It is often claimed to descend from the Greek gnosis ("knowledge,") but more likely comes from genomos "earth-dweller."[1]

Description

The depiction of gnomes has changed quite often over the years and remained different in different cultures. Originally many of them were conceived of as ugly, ground dwelling creatures that were less humanoid than the gnomes of today. In fact, they were more akin to small goblins and disfigured faeries, and acted more like animals than human beings. In contrast, modern sources often depict gnomes as diminutive, stout humanoids who wear tall, pointed conical caps and dress in solid colors such as blue, red, or green; in this depiction, the male gnome always has a long white beard.[2] They have the intelligence of a human (are sometimes thought to be wiser), and have human-like personalities.

While their appearances may differ, the older and newer traditions do share a similar belief in gnomes' capabilities: They are said to move as easily through the earth as humans walk upon it, and the sun's rays turn them into stone. They are incredibly strong and fast, and said to possess almost supernatural abilities in the manipulation of natural material (although they also are said to fiercely guard against any unnecessary damage to the earth and wildlife).

Origin

Gnomes first appeared in the oral tradition of Northern European folklore, and so it is difficult to pinpoint their exact origins. Gnomes share many characteristics with the Norse dwarves, so much so that it is suggested that at a time in Scandinavian tradition, the two were actually interchangeable. At some point, however, a split between gnomes and dwarves occurred. It is not clear if this happened before or after dwarves were assimilated into Dutch and German tradition. What is known is that the modern day depiction of gnomes is more Dutch than Scandinavian. Thus, it is speculated that Dutch tradition created gnomes as they are known today out of Norse dwarves, and from there gnome belief spread to Germany and back into Scandinavia.

In the sixteenth century, the Swiss alchemist Paracelsus popularized the gnome when he declared them to be the most important of the elemental spirits. In his view, gnomes represented the earth, specifically stone and minerals, and possessed the supernatural energies associated within these materials.

Cultural variants

Like many creatures based in oral tradition, every culture that incorporates gnomes views the creatures somewhat differently. Below are descriptions of the most common gnome traditions found in Europe.

Scandinavia

A tomtenisse made of wood. A common Scandinavian Christmas decoration.

The traditional word for gnomes in the Scandinavian culture is Tomte which was originally coined by Saint Birgitta of Sweden in the 1300s.[3] They are also known as Nisse in Norway and Denmark. Gnomes are believed to live for 400 years, are industrious, kind, and wise. Family is important to them, and they almost always merry. Female gnomes give birth only once, usually to twins. They always live in rural areas, sometimes even on (or below) farms, and will give advice to farmers. They are seen as guardians of nature and animals. Although they are kind to humans, gnomes are still very secretive; they never allow humans to know the location of their burrows, never teach non-gnomes their language, and appear only when they want to.

In more recent times, gnomes have been said to be the helpers of Santa Claus, and in Scandinavia, Christmas images usually depict gnomes in the role that elves play in other parts of the Western world.[3]

Germany

Rübezahl, Moritz von Schwind, 1859.

Often featured in Germanic fairy tales, including those by the Brothers Grimm, the German gnome often resembles a gnarled old man, living deep underground, who guards buried treasure. Because of this, Swiss bankers are sometimes disparagingly referred to as the "Gnomes of Zürich." Individual gnomes are not very often detailed or featured as characters in stories, but in Germanic folklore, Rübezahl, the lord over the underworld, was sometimes referred to as a mountain gnome.

Germany made gnomes famous in the mid-1800s with the first production of the garden gnome in the town of Gräfenroda in Thuringia, by Phillip Griebel. Griebel made terracotta animals as decorations and created the gnome based on local myths as a way for people to enjoy the stories of the gnomes' willingness to help in the garden at night. Gnome manufacture spread across Germany, with numerous large and small manufacturers appearing, each one having its own particular design.

Netherlands

Kabouter King Kyrië in Hoogeloon, the Netherlands.

Kabouter is the Dutch word for gnome. In Dutch mythology and Dutch folklore, kabouters are tiny men who live underground or else are household spirits helping in the home. They are generally shy of humans. The males have long, full beards (unlike dwarves, who do not always have full beards) and wear tall, pointed red hats. In the Legend of the Wooden Shoes, an old Dutch folktale, the kabouter teaches the Dutch man how to make wooden shoes.[4]

The Dutch illustrator Rien Poortvliet played an important part in Kabouter lore with the publication of Leven en werken van de Kabouter ("Lives and Works of the Gnome") written by Wil Huygen, later translated into English and published as Gnomes.[5]

Garden gnomes

Typical German garden gnome.
A replica of Lampy the Lamport gnome.

After the first garden gnome was produced in Germany by Phillip Griebel, the practice quickly spread across all of Germany and into France and England, wherever gardening was a serious hobby. Griebel's descendants still make them and are the last of the German producers, all others having moved production to Poland or China.

Traditional garden gnomes are made from a terracotta clay slurry poured into molds. The gnome is removed from the mold, allowed to dry, and then fired in a kiln until it is hard. Once cooled the gnome is painted to the level of detail desired and sent off to do his work in someone's garden. More modern gnomes are made from resins and similar materials.

Garden gnomes have become a popular accessory in many gardens. In certain locale, however, the garden gnomes have become the target of pranks: People have been known to return garden gnomes "to the wild," notably France's Front de Liberation des Nains de Jardins and Italy's MALAG (Garden Gnome Liberation Front). Some kidnapped garden gnomes have been sent on trips around the world.

A sub-culture exists among those who collect garden gnomes, which is frequently lampooned in popular culture.

Gnomes have become controversial in serious gardening circles in the United Kingdom, and are banned from the prestigious Chelsea Flower Show as the organizers claim that they detract from the garden designs. Gnome enthusiasts accuse the organizers of snobbery because gnome figures are popular in working class and suburban gardens.

Gnomes in popular culture

Gnomes show up in many books and tales in popular culture. L. Frank Baum's The Wonderful Wizard of Oz and The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus, Ozma of Oz, all featured gnomes (called "nomes"). Legendary author J. R. R. Tolkien used the word "gnome" in his early work, The Book of Lost Tales, for the people later called the Noldor (part of his High Elves). However, he dropped the term in his published works, since he found the gnomes of folklore to be so unlike his High Elves as to confuse his readers.

Some of the most famous works regarding gnomes are Gnomes and Secrets of the Gnomes by Wil Huygen and Rien Poortvliet. They are illustrated fictional guidebooks to the mythical creatures, and resulted in the animated series, The World of David the Gnome. Originally written in Dutch, these books depict the Kabouters (Dutch gnomes) as a wise, noble, and civilized race whose natural enemies are the trolls, due to their contrasting natures.

In some role-playing games, including RuneScape, Dungeons & Dragons, EverQuest, Horizons: Empire of Istaria, and World of Warcraft, gnomes are featured as a short race of humanoids, closely related to dwarves, exceptionally adept at tinkering and mechanics. They and their allies often have technologies not normally found in fantasy settings, such as firearms or robot-like automata.

Notes

  1. Oxford English Dictionary (Oxford Press, 1971, ISBN 019861117X).
  2. Online Encyclopedia of Monsters, Gnomes. Retrieved August 12, 2007.
  3. 3.0 3.1 Beryl, A Bit of Gnome Lore (2000).
  4. William Elliot Griffis, Legend of the Wooden Shoes in Dutch Fairy Tales For Young Folks (New York: Thomas Y. Crowell Co., 1918). Retrieved August 20, 2008.
  5. Wil Huygen, Gnomes (Harry N. Abrams Inc., 1977, ISBN 0810909650).

References
ISBN links support NWE through referral fees

  • Huygen, Wil. Gnomes. Harry N. Abrams Inc., 2006 (original 1977). ISBN 0810954982.
  • Huygen, Wil. The Complete Gnomes. Harry N. Abrams Books, 1994. ISBN 0810931958.
  • Huygen, Wil and Rien Poortvliet. Secrets of the Gnomes. Harry N. Abrams Inc., 1982. ISBN 0810916142.
  • Russell, Vivian. Gnomes. Frances Lincoln, 2006. ISBN 0711223254.

External links

All links retrieved June 23, 2017.

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