The earth has always inspired stories of hidden realms and the creatures said to inhabit them. Among the most enduring are the gnomes who are also closely connected to kobolds and dwarves. They are small, mysterious beings deeply tied to the natural world, especially the underground. Though we know they exist only in legend, their stories are woven into folklore across centuries and remain endlessly intriguing.
Gnomes in mythology: The keepers of the earth
In folklore, gnomes are closely tied to the element of earth, standing alongside sylphs (air), undines (water), and salamanders (fire) as elemental beings. They are said to be stout, grounded, and deeply connected to soil, stone, and metals. Often described as about two feet tall and reflect their earthen nature, with bark-like skin, ember-glowing eyes, and beards that could be made of living roots or even crystalline structures. These myths paint gnomes as protectors of underground treasure.
Legends claim that gnomes can pass through solid rock as effortlessly as humans move through air, locate precious materials with uncanny precision, and even shapeshift at will. The term "gnome" itself was introduced into Western thought by the 16th-century Swiss alchemist Paracelsus, but stories of these beings predate him by centuries. Germanic folklore refers to them as Erdmannlein (little earth men) and Bergmännlein (little miners).
Kobolds: Mischievous spirits of the mines
Kobolds, close cousins to gnomes in European folklore, take on a slightly darker and more mischievous role. These creatures are primarily associated with German mythology, where they were said to inhabit mines, homes, or even ships. Kobolds are often described as small, humanoid figures, sometimes glowing or ghostlike, who wield supernatural powers tied to their environments.
In mining communities, kobolds were seen as both a blessing and a curse. Miners believed these spirits could guide them to rich veins of ore but also blamed them for accidents, cave-ins, or sudden deaths. The duality of kobolds—helpful yet dangerous— is quite interesting as I think it's comparable to the nature of mining itself, where riches and risks go hand in hand.
Interestingly, kobolds were sometimes conflated with gnomes in older traditions, particularly in their association with underground realms and their role as protectors of hidden treasures. However, while gnomes are typically seen as more benevolent and tied to the earth’s natural order, kobolds carry a more capricious, almost trickster-like reputation.
Dwarves: The master craftsmen
Unlike the elusive gnomes or the mischievous kobolds, dwarves have a more solid presence in folklore and mythology. Often depicted as strong, and highly skilled, dwarves are the master craftsmen of the mythical world. In Norse mythology, they are credited with forging legendary weapons like Thor’s hammer, Mjölnir, and the golden ring Draupnir. These tales highlight their unparalleled ability to manipulate metals and create objects of immense power and beauty.
Dwarves, like gnomes, are closely tied to the earth, living deep within mountains or underground halls. Yet they differ in their more anthropomorphic nature. While gnomes are often depicted as elemental or ethereal beings, dwarves are portrayed as physical, hardy, and deeply tied to human-like societies. They are known for their loyalty, their fierce tempers, and their unrelenting work ethic.
Dwarves also share a connection with kobolds. In some traditions, kobolds are considered a wilder, more mischievous variant of dwarves. Both are said to inhabit mines and caverns, with dwarves focusing on creation and kobolds often causing trouble. This overlap reflects the way folklore adapts and evolves, with creatures like kobolds and dwarves borrowing traits from each other over centuries of storytelling.
Legends from the depths of history
Historical anecdotes about gnomes are as intriguing as they are, of course, unverifiable. In mining communities of medieval Europe, tales of "mountain spirits" or "little miners" saving lives were common. A famous legend from the Black Forest in 487 CE recounts miners being warned of a cave-in by mysterious tapping sounds, allegedly from gnome-like beings.
Monasteries, too, preserved accounts of these elusive creatures. In 850 CE, monks at the monastery of St. Gall in Switzerland wrote about “earth dwellers” appearing in their wine cellars. Meanwhile, a manuscript from an Irish monastery in 1074 describes small red-clad figures assisting monks with gardening at night. Though fascinating, these tales are best interpreted as folklore reflecting humanity’s spiritual connection to nature and the unknown.
The modern era of gnome encounters
The lore of gnomes is not confined to the past. Stories of sightings continue to emerge, ranging from the whimsical to the uncanny. One of the most well-documented cases is the Wollaton Gnomes Incident of 1977 in England. In this strange episode, 30 schoolchildren claimed to have seen small, gnome-like figures with pointed hats during a lunch break.
South America has also become a modern hotspot for alleged gnome encounters. In 2008, a viral video from General Güemes, Argentina, appeared to show a small, odd figure walking with a peculiar gait. Similarly, rural Colombia has had its own wave of sightings, with farmers describing encounters with "duendes" between 2010 and 2015.
Perhaps the most enduring belief in gnome-like beings comes from Iceland. Here, respect for “hidden people” remains part of everyday life. The Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration frequently consults seers to ensure construction projects do not disturb supposed gnome or elf habitats. In 2011, a major aluminum smelter project was delayed due to concerns about disrupting an “elf rock.”
These stories persist, not because they are verifiable, but because they evoke the same mystery and wonder that inspired their ancient counterparts. We live in a world where science explains almost everything, yet stories of gnomes still resonate. Why? Perhaps it’s because they represent something that science cannot quantify: the thrill of the unknown. Gnomes are a bridge between the rational and the magical, reminding us of a time when the world was full of mysteries.
The idea of a hidden realm beneath our feet, filled with industrious little beings who guard secrets we can only dream of, stirs the imagination. We may know they aren’t real, but part of us wishes they could be. That tension is what keeps these stories alive.