Difference between revisions of "Gnome" - New World Encyclopedia
| Line 5: | Line 5: | ||
[[Image:Nisse_d_apres_nature_ill_jnl_fal.png|thumb|right|A gnome (or "[[Tomte|Nisse]]") hiding behind a [[toadstool]].]] | [[Image:Nisse_d_apres_nature_ill_jnl_fal.png|thumb|right|A gnome (or "[[Tomte|Nisse]]") hiding behind a [[toadstool]].]] | ||
| − | A '''gnome''' | + | A '''gnome''' is a [[legendary creature]] found throughout [[Europe]] and the [[United States]], 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 [[goblin|goblins]] and [[faerie|faeries]]. Despite varying forms of the gnomes, the basis is the same for all of them. They are said to move through the earth as easy as man moves atop it. Begining in the sixteenth century, a swiss alchemist by the name of [[Paracelsus]], belived that gnomes were the most vital of the [[elemental]]s, and that they represented the earth, along with the supernatual abilities that accompany it. |
Gnomes are often used in the entertainment industry. | Gnomes are often used in the entertainment industry. | ||
==Etymology== | ==Etymology== | ||
| − | 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> | + | 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 ISBN 019861117X </ref> |
==Description== | ==Description== | ||
| − | The depiction of gnomes | + | The depiction of gnomes has changed quite often over the years. Originally they 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. They have the [[intelligence]] of a human (are sometimes thought to be wiser), and have human-like [[personality|personalities]]. |
| − | While their appearances may differ, the older and newer traditions do share a similar belief in | + | 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== | ==Origin== | ||
| + | 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. | ||
| − | + | By the sixteenth century, the [[Switzerland|Swiss]] [[alchemy|alchemist]] [[Paracelsus]], declared that gnomes were the most important of the [[element]]al spirits of the earth. In his view, they represented the earth, specifically [[stone]] and [[mineral]]s, and represented the supernatural energies associated within these materials. | |
| − | By the sixteenth century, the [[Switzerland|Swiss]] [[alchemy|alchemist]] [[Paracelsus]], | ||
==Cultural Variants== | ==Cultural Variants== | ||
| − | Like many creatures based in oral tradition, every culture that incorporates gnomes views the creatures differently. Below | + | Like many creatures based in oral tradition, every culture that incorporates gnomes views the creatures differently. Below are descriptions of the most common gnome traditions found in Europe: |
| − | === | + | ===Scandinavia=== |
| − | The traditional word for gnomes in the | + | 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>Beryl (2000). [[http://www.beryl-the-gnome.co.uk/alva.htm"A Bit of Gnome Lore"]] Retrieved July 20, 2007</ref> Gnomes are 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 [[elf|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> |
| − | 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 | + | |
| + | ===Germany=== | ||
| + | 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-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. | ||
===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. 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>''[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 | + | ==Garden gnomes== |
[[Image:P1000744.jpg|thumb|right|Typical German garden gnome]] | [[Image:P1000744.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.]] | ||
| − | 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. | + | 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. 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. | ||
| − | + | 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 [[kidnap]]ped garden gnomes have been sent on trips around the world, a prank that later became the basis for [[Travelocity]]'s "Roaming Gnome". | |
| − | + | 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 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. | A sub-culture exists among those who collect garden gnomes, which is frequently lampooned in popular culture. | ||
| Line 52: | Line 60: | ||
==Gnomes in popular culture== | ==Gnomes in popular culture== | ||
| − | Gnomes show up in many books and tales in | + | 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. 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. |
| − | 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 | + | 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 some role-playing | + | 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. |
==Notes== | ==Notes== | ||
Revision as of 19:56, 13 August 2007
A gnome is a legendary creature found throughout Europe and the United States, 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. Despite varying forms of the gnomes, the basis is the same for all of them. They are said to move through the earth as easy as man moves atop it. Begining in the sixteenth century, a swiss alchemist by the name of Paracelsus, belived that gnomes were the most vital of the elementals, and that they represented the earth, along with the supernatual abilities that accompany it. Gnomes are often used in the entertainment industry.
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. Originally they 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. 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.
By the sixteenth century, the Swiss alchemist Paracelsus, declared that gnomes were the most important of the elemental spirits of the earth. In his view, 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 are descriptions 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 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]
Germany
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-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.
Dutch
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 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 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. 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, a prank that later became the basis for Travelocity's "Roaming Gnome".
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 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 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. 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
- ↑ Oxford English Dictionary Oxford Press (1971) ISBN ISBN 019861117X
- ↑ 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.)
ReferencesISBN links support NWE through referral fees
- Huygen, Wil. [1977] 2006. Gnomes Harry N. Abrams Inc. 30th Anniversary edition. ISBN 0810954982
- Huygen, Wil. 1994. The Complete Gnomes. HNA Books. ISBN 0810931958
- Huygen, Wil and Rien Poortvliet. 1987. Secrets of the Gnomes. Harry N. Abrams Inc. ISBN 0810916142
- Russell, Vivian. 2006. Gnomes. Frances Lincoln. ISBN 0711223254
External links
- History of gnomes with pictures showing how they are made Retrieved August 13, 2007.
- Gnomes Retrieved August 12, 2007.
Credits
New World Encyclopedia writers and editors rewrote and completed the Wikipedia article in accordance with New World Encyclopedia standards. This article abides by terms of the Creative Commons CC-by-sa 3.0 License (CC-by-sa), which may be used and disseminated with proper attribution. Credit is due under the terms of this license that can reference both the New World Encyclopedia contributors and the selfless volunteer contributors of the Wikimedia Foundation. To cite this article click here for a list of acceptable citing formats.The history of earlier contributions by wikipedians is accessible to researchers here:
The history of this article since it was imported to New World Encyclopedia:
Note: Some restrictions may apply to use of individual images which are separately licensed.
