Medieval Fantasy Races

Gnome

Real World Mythology

The idea of a gnome comes from Renaissance mythology and came in the form of a magic spirit. In history they were known to protect mines and had the ability to cast spells on others. They typically appeared as dwarfish and often look gnarled or hunchbacked.

The word "Gnome" become popular during the 16th century when an alchemist of Swiss origin thought gnomes were connected to the elements and could move through the earth easily.

Many folktales in central Europe adopted the idea of Gnomes and they changed form in every story. Gnomes appeared in the original Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty. They are a prominent folk character in Germanic fairy tales.

Today, Gnomes are also used to decorate gardens. They usually have red hats and white beards, smiling out onto the lawn. Their connection to the earth made people believe that gnomes could take care of plant life, possessing hidden abilities to help the growth.

Gnome

World of Legends

Gnome

s are not currently known or recorded in the continent of Isilendor but that does not mean they do not exist. Perhaps they allied themselves with the Spriggan earth spirits long ago before any mortals walked the land. Maybe they walk among us today.

Gnome

In Other Media

Dungeons & Dragons

Gnome

s are a playable race in the tabletop game, Dungeons & Dragons. They are similar in stature to halflings but have their own history and culture. Gnomes are known for being skilled inventors and make great artificers or wizards. There are factions and sub species of Gnomes, including Deep Gnomes who live in the Underdark, the shy and elusive Forest Gnomes, and the burrowing Rock Gnomes.

Harry Potter

Gnome

s frequently show up throughout the Harry Potter books, and even in the video games. They appear in gardens of wizarding homes and are considered to be quite the infestation. Garden Gnomes are noted for having unusually large heads and small bodies, with brown skin. They are an XX rated creature, meaning they are not dangerous but should be handled with care. Gnomes burrow underground, eating the plant roots and destroy gardens if not removed immediately. Their intelligence is not very sharp and could easily be removed as their curiosity would cause them to emerge from the burrows. A more violent method to remove them involves using a ferret-like creature called a Jarvey which prey on gnomes.

Gnomes vs Knights

The TikTok Saga

This year saw the uprising of an army of Gnomes, instigated by a Gnome Wizard named Crawly. He is depicted with grey hair and beard, a white hat, green robe and a pink net. Crawly Gnome began invading establishments in an effort to get behind the counter, only to be chased away by security, or the Knights.

When the

Gnome

invasions became too much for the Knights, they set out to burn down their homes in the forests. This act of hostility began the war between Knights and Gnomes. Many other clans and races swore their allegiance to support the war. Vampires, Trolls, Elves and more joined the cause. Trolls joined the Gnomes early. The Knights were led by King Emilio.

Would you side with the Gnomes or Knights?

For more detailed sources of information, see the following links:
Forgotten Realms: Gnome
Neutral Characters Wiki: Crawly
Gnomes vs Knights
Harry Potter Wiki: Gnome