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Gnome

Earth Spirit of Paracelsus

The gnome was codified by 16th-century Swiss alchemist Paracelsus in his treatise on elementals (1566) as the spirit of the earth element. Small humanoid beings dwelling underground and in mines, they work with minerals and gems. The familiar bearded garden gnome image emerged through 19th-century fairy tales, and gnomes have since become one of the most recognized elemental races in modern fantasy through Tolkien, D&D, and video games.

Origin

The gnome was defined as the spirit of earth among the four elemental spirits by the 16th-century Swiss alchemist Paracelsus in his treatise A Book on Nymphs, Sylphs, Pygmies, and Salamanders (1566). The name likely derives from Greek 'gē-nomos' (earth-dweller) or 'gnōsis' (knowledge).

Features

Small old-man appearance (around 30 cm tall)
White beard and red cap
Dwell underground, in caves, and within rocks
Skilled at mining gems, minerals, and metals
Treasure guardians who shun humans

Stories

Personify the earth element in Renaissance alchemy. Inspired the 19–20th-century fairy-tale and garden-gnome motif, and underlie Tolkien's dwarves and Disney's Seven Dwarfs.

Weakness

Vulnerable to sunlight (some traditions say it turns them to stone). Loud noises and human greed drive them into hiding.