Gnome History

Gnomes are adaptive, fascinating creatures.  Since the beginning of time, they have been the subject of tales and debate in almost every country.  They are known by many names and thought to be many things however little is truly known about these elusive beings.

Webster’s dictionary tells us that the word gnome is derived from gignõsken, which means to know. (Gnomes have often been thought to be the smartest beings on earth and they will be the first to tell you this is so).  According to the theory of Paracelsus, gnomes are elemental beings inhabiting earth.  In folklore, they are subterranean dwarves who guard precious treasure.  (May be a misconception, our gnome authority states that dwarves mine treasure.  He says that smaller dwarves and dwarves unable to mine guard the treasure.)

Generally, a grown gnome is about 8" tall and wears a 2" hat which is why 10" gnomes are often called "real size" gnomes.  There is some theory that some of the wandering gnomes have grown larger over the last few decades and attained heights of 13" (15" with hat).  Some of the house gnomes and a few of the traveling gnomes have also shrunk and 2" to 6".  The jury is still out as to whether this is due to gnomes being forced out of their natural habitat and more tribes being seen, inter-colony marriages changing the gnomes or some other variable.

Gnomes are in general, very social within their gnome circles. They absolutely love a good party, especially if there is dancing, singing, and, for some of the younger gnomes, a good home brew (please don't tell Nana - she's know to be anti brew). Gnomes of all groups are still very shy and tend to avoid human contact whenever possible.  This is why most information about gnomes is generally accepted theory and not cold hard fact.

Gnomes are an industrious people and have adapted well to the changing of their surroundings.  While most gnomes still prefer to make their homes in wooded settings, more and more gnomes are making their homes in gardens, barns and houses.  They will adapt to most any setting given enough time and encouragement.  They are thought to live around 400 years and to be very talented.  Besides being wonderful artists and musicians, they have a special connection with nature.  (If you have ever seen a flower in full bloom that just takes your breath away with its perfection – odds are a gnome tends the garden it grows in.)

Having gnomes on your property – gnomes rarely live alone, if you have one, you have a colony – is thought to bring good luck and prosperity.  Gnomes, who are treated well, will come out at night and watch over livestock, gardens, houses etc. Beware though gnomes who are treated very poorly have a tendency to seek revenge by playing tricks.  They have been blamed for ruining harvests, causing draughts, blizzards and extremes in the temperature.  Our gnome expert is very adamant that unless you have an angry Siberian Gnome on your property, the revenge part is all a bunch of malicious rumors spread by trolls (trolls are about the only enemy of gnomes).  While there are no actual confirmed cases of gnomes (even Siberian) actually hurting people, if pushed hard enough the house gnomes have been known to misplace things and allow rodents into basements etc.

All gnomes are nocturnal and move about at night but most return home by the end of the night.  In recent years several gnomes have been known to go adventuring.  These seem to be younger, single male gnomes, under 200 years of age.  They are also starting to overcome their shyness and several have even gone as far as to appear in public.  You will note there has been a marked increase in the number of gnomes appearing in commercials, movies, books and other areas. 

Gnome experts around the world have been arguing different theories for the re-emergence of gnomes in our midst.  Some of the popular theories include: 

Gnomes have always travelled extensively (how else do you account for gnome in every part of every country?) and that they travel for the same reasons that humans do, entertainment, to visit relatives, to find mates from unrelated families, etc.  We are seeing more traveling gnomes because there is just less area for them to take cover. 

Less cover/homeland for their woodland friends who normally provide transportation (foxes, owls, rabbits etc.) has required new means of transportation.  Our resident expert has stated that gnomes have discovered they love to fly inside planes – apparently it’s much warmer and less windy than on the back of a bird, cruise ships offer unlimited opportunities for fun, and the number one current favorite mode of travel is the US postal system – they have discovered stamp collecting in a big way (Passport stamps are also a big collector’s item among gnomes).

Loss of habitat is causing gnomes to relocate and take up residency with humans.  Although most are still very shy and will most often be seen posing as statutes in gardens.

As to why they are now appearing in public in movies and commercials, our gnome athority says there is a very heated rivalry (good natured of course) going on between certain young male gnomes and a rather well known gecko.

Oh and most important – please let us introduce you to our resident gnome expert Lucas.