Difference between revisions of "Gnome" - New World Encyclopedia
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==Description== | ==Description== | ||
| − | The depiction of gnomes have changed quite often over the years. Originally they were | + | The depiction of gnomes have changed quite often over the years. Originally they were conceived as ugly, ground dwelling creatures that were less anthropromorphicized than the gnomes of today. In fact, they were more akin to small goblins and disfigured [[faeries]], and acted more like creatures than humans. 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. 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 what gnomes are capable of: 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 fierce | + | While their appearances may differ, the older and newer traditions do share a similar belief in what gnomes are capable of: 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 fierce guard against any un-necessary damage to the earth and wildlife). |
==Origin== | ==Origin== | ||
| − | Since gnomes first came out of the oral tradition of | + | Since gnomes first came out of the oral tradition of Northern European folklore, it is difficult to pinpoint the legend's exact origins. Gnomes share many characteristics with the [[Norse mythology|Norse]] 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, and it is not clear if this happened before or after dwarves were assimilated in Dutch and German tradition. What is known is that the modern day depiction of gnomes is more Dutch than Scandinavian; it is possible then 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, but this is merely speculation. |
By the sixteenth century, the [[Switzerland|Swiss]] [[alchemy|alchemist]] [[Paracelsus]], took the belief in gnomes and declared that they were the most important of the [[elemental]] spirits of the [[classical element]] of [[Earth (classical element)|earth]]; they represented the earth, specifically stone and minerals, and represented the supernatural energies associated within these materials. | By the sixteenth century, the [[Switzerland|Swiss]] [[alchemy|alchemist]] [[Paracelsus]], took the belief in gnomes and declared that they were the most important of the [[elemental]] spirits of the [[classical element]] of [[Earth (classical element)|earth]]; they represented the earth, specifically stone and minerals, and represented the supernatural energies associated within these materials. | ||
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Like many creatures based in oral tradition, every culture that incorporates gnomes views the creatures differently. Below is a breakdown of the most common gnome traditions found in Europe: | Like many creatures based in oral tradition, every culture that incorporates gnomes views the creatures differently. Below is a breakdown of the most common gnome traditions found in Europe: | ||
| − | === | + | ===Scandinavian=== |
| − | The [[ | + | The traditional word for gnomes in the Scandinavian culture is “Tomte”, which was originally coined by [[Saint Birgitta]] of [[Sweden]] in the 1300s.<ref>Beryl (2000). [[http://www.beryl-the-gnome.co.uk/alva.htm"A Bit of Gnome Lore"]] Retrieved July 20, 2007</ref> Gnomes are seen believed to live for 400 years, are industrious, kind and wise. Family is important to them, and they almost always marry. 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.<ref>Beryl (2000). [[http://www.beryl-the-gnome.co.uk/alva.htm"A Bit of Gnome Lore"]] Retrieved July 20, 2007</ref> |
===German=== | ===German=== | ||
| − | 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]] | + | The German word for gnome is ''Gnom''. 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]]. 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-1800's with the first production of the lawn 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 other large and small manufacturers coming into and out of the business, each one having its own particular style of design (See '''Lawn Gnome''' below). |
===Dutch=== | ===Dutch=== | ||
[[Image:Kabouterkoning-Kyrie_PeterMaas.jpg|thumb|left|200 px|Kabouter King Kyrië in Hoogeloon, the Netherlands]] | [[Image:Kabouterkoning-Kyrie_PeterMaas.jpg|thumb|left|200 px|Kabouter King Kyrië in Hoogeloon, the Netherlands]] | ||
| − | '''Kabouter''' is the [[Dutch language|Dutch]] word for [[gnome | + | '''Kabouter''' is the [[Dutch language|Dutch]] word for [[gnome]]. 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]]. 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. 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> 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> |
| − | |||
| − | 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. | ||
| − | |||
| − | 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> | ||
| − | |||
| − | 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> | ||
==Garden Gnomes== | ==Garden Gnomes== | ||
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[[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.]] | ||
| − | + | After the first garden gnome was produced in Germany, 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. | 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. | ||
| − | + | 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 [[traveling gnome prank]]; this later became the basis for [[Travelocity]]'s "Roaming Gnome"). Gnomes have become controversial in serious gardening circles in the UK, 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 they are popular in working class and suburban gardens. | |
| − | |||
| − | 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 [[ | ||
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| − | Gnomes have become controversial in serious gardening circles in the UK, and are banned from the prestigious [[Chelsea Flower Show]] as the | ||
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. | ||
==Gnomes in popular culture== | ==Gnomes in popular culture== | ||
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| − | + | Gnomes show up in many books and tales in pop culture. In [[L. Frank Baum]]'s ''[[The Wonderful Wizard of Oz]]'' and [[The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus]]'', ''[[Ozma of Oz]]'', all featured gnomes. 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]]). 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. | |
| + | One of the most famous works regarding gnomes is ''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 role-playing 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. | ||
==Notes== | ==Notes== | ||
Revision as of 17:23, 20 July 2007
A gnome is a legendary creature found throughout Europe, characterized by its very small size and subterranean lifestyle. In modern traditions gnomes are often seen as incredibly small, old men with pointed hats that live in forests and gardens, but gnomes are actually variants of older understandings of goblins and faeries.
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 have changed quite often over the years. Originally they were conceived as ugly, ground dwelling creatures that were less anthropromorphicized than the gnomes of today. In fact, they were more akin to small goblins and disfigured faeries, and acted more like creatures than humans. 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. 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 what gnomes are capable of: 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 fierce guard against any un-necessary damage to the earth and wildlife).
Origin
Since gnomes first came out of the oral tradition of Northern European folklore, it is difficult to pinpoint the legend's 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, and it is not clear if this happened before or after dwarves were assimilated in Dutch and German tradition. What is known is that the modern day depiction of gnomes is more Dutch than Scandinavian; it is possible then 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, but this is merely speculation. By the sixteenth century, the Swiss alchemist Paracelsus, took the belief in gnomes and declared that they were the most important of the elemental spirits of the classical element of earth; they represented the earth, specifically stone and minerals, and represented the supernatural energies associated within these materials.
Cultural Variants
Like many creatures based in oral tradition, every culture that incorporates gnomes views the creatures differently. Below is a breakdown of the most common gnome traditions found in Europe:
The traditional word for gnomes in the Scandinavian culture is “Tomte”, which was originally coined by Saint Birgitta of Sweden in the 1300s.[2] Gnomes are seen believed to live for 400 years, are industrious, kind and wise. Family is important to them, and they almost always marry. 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]
German
The German word for gnome is Gnom. Often featured in Germanic fairy tales, 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 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-1800's with the first production of the lawn 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 other large and small manufacturers coming into and out of the business, each one having its own particular style of design (See Lawn Gnome below).
Dutch
Kabouter is the Dutch word for gnome. 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. 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. In the Legend of the Wooden Shoes, an old Dutch folktale, the kabouter teaches the Dutch man how to make piles and how to make wooden shoes.[4] 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".[5]
Garden Gnomes
After the first garden gnome was produced in Germany, 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.
Garden gnomes have become a popular accessory in many gardens, although they are not loved by all. They are often the target of pranks: 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 traveling gnome prank; this later became the basis for Travelocity's "Roaming Gnome"). Gnomes have become controversial in serious gardening circles in the UK, 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 they are popular in working class and suburban gardens.
A sub-culture exists among those who collect garden gnomes, which is frequently lampooned in popular culture.
Gnomes in popular culture
Gnomes show up in many books and tales in pop culture. In L. Frank Baum's The Wonderful Wizard of Oz and The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus, Ozma of Oz, all featured gnomes. 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). 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. One of the most famous works regarding gnomes is 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 Kabouters. These books depict 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 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 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.
Notes
- ↑ (1971) "Oxford English Dictionary" Oxford Press. ISBN:76-188038
- ↑ Beryl (2000). ["A Bit of Gnome Lore"] Retrieved July 20, 2007
- ↑ Beryl (2000). ["A Bit of Gnome Lore"] Retrieved July 20, 2007
- ↑ 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.
- ↑ (1977) Gnomes, Harry N. Abrams Inc., ISBN 0-8109-0965-0 (20th Anniv.) ISBN 0-8109-5498-2 (30th Anniv.)
External links
- History of gnomes with pictures showing how they are made
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