Back Kabouter Afrikaans Гном Byelorussian Гном BE-X-OLD Гном Bulgarian Gnom BS Gnom Catalan Gnóm Czech Krôsniã CSB Gnom German Gnomo Esperanto
 Gnom mit Zeitung und Tabakspfeife (English: Gnome with newspaper and tobacco pipe) by Heinrich Schlitt (1923) | |
| Grouping | Diminutive spirit |
|---|---|
| Folklore | Renaissance |
| First attested | 16th century |
A gnome (/noʊm/[1]) is a mythological creature and diminutive spirit in Renaissance magic and alchemy, introduced by Paracelsus in the 16th century and widely adopted by authors including those of modern fantasy literature. Typically small humanoids who live underground, gnome characteristics are reinterpreted to suit various storytellers and artists.[2]
Lawn ornaments crafted as gnomes were introduced during the 19th century, growing in popularity during the 20th century as garden gnomes.
- ^ "Gnome". Oxford English Dictionary (Online ed.). Oxford University Press. (Subscription or participating institution membership required.)
- ^ "Gnome". Encyclopædia Britannica Online. Archived from the original on 17 April 2008. Retrieved 12 March 2008.