A Brief History of Gnomes | Myths Monsters and Magic

Gnomes

What is the history of Gnomes? Let’s start with a look at what is a Gnome as it relates to mythology. Mythical beings of small stature in northern Europe include dwarfs, brownies, elves, leprechauns, gnomes, etc. Gnomes as we know them today are a blending of mythologies including Norse, Scandinavian, Danish and Germanic. They share many characteristics with the Norse Dwarfs, so much so that it is suggested that at a time in Scandinavian tradition, the two were 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.

Gnomes can contribute their primary origin to Old Norse Mythology. Dvergar, or dwarfs as they were called lived underground and/or in mountainous areas and were closely associated with precious metals. They were depicted as deformed and hunched creatures, only about 3ft tall, with full beards. Their clothing was dark, and drab and they are typically shown as caring shovels or picks. Though they were described as slow runners and poor riders, dwarves are said to be excellent warriors and defenders of their strongholds. So never mess with a dwarf!

A second influence was the Scandinavian Nisse from the Danish and Norwegian, and Tomte from Swedish and Finnish. Nisse comes from Old Norse niðsi, meaning "dear little relative" and Tomte can be translated as “homestead man”.

For the most part Nisse and Tomte can be used interchangeably. These helpful beings lived closely with humans, often helping the farmer become prosperous, tending to the livestock and fertility of crops and plant life. Their primary role was to guard a farmer’s home, barn, crop, and livestock. They punished those who would harm their homestead, including the farmers themselves. They did not tolerate anyone being lazy or the harming of animals, especially horses. These punishments included small pranks such as to tie cows’ tails together. More severe punishments included breaking precious objects or taking away a farmer’s fortune with a string of bad luck.

The dress of a Gnome is typically described as being a bright colored pullover tunic belted at the waist with knee-breeches and stockings. This would have been the standard farmer’s clothing in 17 ^th century Scandinavia. In modern Denmark, Nisse are often seen as beardless, wearing grey and red woolens with a red cylindrical shaped cap. Today’s Gnomes resemble more of a Danish look than a Scandinavian one.

Though it is said that the placing of gnomes around a home or homestead started in the 16 ^th century during the Renaissance it is likely that the practice predates this time by possibly 500 to 1000 years or more. The first gnomes were made of wood, stone or clay. Later in the early 1800’s the first garden gnomes were mass produced in Germany. They made their way to England in the 1840’s as their popularity grew. These gnomes were made of clay and brightly painted. Gnomes were brought to America by immigrants from northern Europe. After WWI Gnomes made their way into popular American culture and gardens.

Gnomes got their name from the Renaissance Latin gnomus, that was first described in A Book on Nymphs, Sylphs, Pygmies, and Salamanders, and on the Other Spirits by Paraceisus published in 1566. Gnomes are found in various fairy tales, and many have been popularized by Hans Christian Anderson such as “ The Elf Hill”, and the Brothers Grimm “ The Gnome”. Today you can find Gnomes in J.K. Rowling’s “Harry Potter ”, R.L. Stine’s “Goosebumps Revenge of the Lawn Gnomes” and movies such as “ The Gnome-Mobile”, “Sherlock Gnomes”, “Gnomeo and Juliette ”, “Gnome Alone”, and “Goosebumps”.

Today Gnomes come in all shapes and sizes. They can be found inside homes as well as outside in the garden. Thou many are only seasonal decorations they can be found year-round on a shelf or in a corner of the house guarding the home. Outside gnomes are made of various materials from plastic to cement. No home is complete without a Gnome so make sure to check out our wide selection of home and garden Gnomes  and our fun selection of books on Gnomes.