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{{two other uses|the mythical creature|the computing desktop environment|GNOME|other uses|Gnome (disambiguation)}}
{{Infobox_Person
[[Image:Nisse_d_apres_nature_ill_jnl_fal.png|thumb|right|A gnome (or "[[Tomte|Nisse]]") hiding behind a [[toadstool]].]]
| name = Sir Charles Asgill, 2nd Baronet
| residence =
| other_names =
| image = BD - Photo of MY picture of Asgill.jpg
| imagesize = 200px
| caption = the [[April 1]], [[1786]] engraving described below
| birth_name =
| birth_date = [[6 April]] [[1762]]
| birth_place = [[London]], [[England]]
| death_date = [[23 July]] [[1823]]
| death_place = [[London]], [[England]]
| death_cause =
| known =
| occupation = [[General (United Kingdom)|General]]
| title =
| salary =
| term =
| predecessor =
| successor =
| party =
| boards =
| religion =
| spouse = Jemima Sophia Ogle
| partner =
| children =
| relations = [[Sir Charles Asgill, 1st Baronet]] and Sarah Theresa Pratviel
| website =
| footnotes =
| employer =
| height =
| weight =
}}


A '''gnome''' is a [[legendary creature]] characterized by its very small size and subterranean lifestyle.
General '''Sir Charles Asgill 2nd Baronet''' [[Royal Guelphic Order|GCH]] ([[6 April]] [[1762]] – [[23 July]] [[1823]]) was a career soldier, educated at [[Westminster School]], [[London]] and [[Göttingen University]], [[Germany]].


The word ''gnome'' is derived from the [[New Latin]] ''gnomus''. It is often claimed to descend from the [[Greek language|Greek]] ''gnosis'', "knowledge", but more likely comes from ''genomos'' "earth-dweller".
==Biography==
Born in London, the only son of one-time Lord Mayor of London [[Sir Charles Asgill, 1st Baronet]] (for an image of 1st Baronet see [http://library.westminster.org.uk/Info/photo_things.htm]and scroll down to Staircase) and [[Sarah Theresa Pratviel]], Charles Asgill entered the army on [[27 February]] [[1778]] (just before his 16th birthday), as an ensign in the 1st Foot Guards, now called [[The Grenadier Guards]]. He became Lieutenant in the same regiment with the rank of Captain on [[3 February]] [[1781]] (just before his 19th birthday). In that year he was ordered to America, joining the army under [[Lord Cornwallis]], and on the capitulation of [[Yorktown, Virginia]], in October 1781, he was taken prisoner. He was the subject of a diplomatic incident in May 1782 (referred to then and now as “The Asgill Affair”), when he was selected by lot to be executed in retaliation for a murder carried out by the Loyalists. His mother, the doughty Sarah Asgill (of French Huguenot origin), wrote to the French Court pleading for her son’s life to be spared. She was the instigator of the misleading information that her son was only 19 years of age. The fact is that Asgill had already celebrated his 20th birthday before the drawing of lots in May 1782. The King, [[Louis XVI]], and Queen of France, [[Marie Antoinette]], ordered the [[Comte de Vergennes]], the Foreign Minister, to convey to General [[George Washington]] their desire that a young life be spared. Since Asgill was protected by the 14th Article of Capitulation, safeguarding prisoners of war, such an unjustified execution would have reflected badly on the newly emerging independent nation of America. Congress agreed and young Asgill returned to England a free man in December 1782. A year later, together with his mother (who had been too ill to travel sooner), and sisters, he went to France to give thanks to the King and Queen for saving his life. The visit commenced on 3rd November 1783. Asgill writes about this experience in his Service Records, where he states "the unfortunate Lot fell on me and I was in consequence conveyed to the Jerseys where I remained in Prison enduring peculiar Hardships for Six Months until released by an Act of Congress at the intercession of the Court of France. Returned to England on Parole in December 1782...had leave of Absence for a few months for the purpose of going to Paris to return thanks to the Court of France for having saved my Life".


==In Folklore==
Asgill was appointed Equerry to [[Frederick, Duke of York]] in 1788. In that same year he inherited the [[Asgill Baronetcy]] upon the death of his father. In August 1790 he married Jemima Sophia Ogle, daughter of Admiral Sir Chaloner Ogle, at [[Martyr Worthy]], [[Hampshire]]. Asgill went to the Continent and joined the Army under the command of The Duke of York in 1794-1795, served the Campaign and was present at the whole of the Retreat through Holland. In June 1797 he was promoted [[Brigadier General]] in the 1st Foot Guards and was appointed to the Staff of Ireland. In his Service Records he states: “was very actively employed against the Rebels during the Rebellion in 1798 and received the repeated thanks of the Commander of the Forces and the Government for my Conduct and Service”. He remained on the Irish Staff until February 1802 when in consequence of the Peace he was removed and returned to England.
Often featured in Germanic [[fairy tale]]s, including those by the [[Brothers Grimm]], the gnome often resembles a gnarled old man living deep underground who guards buried treasure. Because of this, [[Swiss banking|Swiss bankers]] are sometimes disparagingly referred to as the [[Gnomes of Zürich]]. Gnomes feature in the legends of many of central, northern and eastern [[Europe]]an lands by other names: a ''kaukis'' is a [[Prussia]]n gnome, and ''barbegazi'' are gnome-like creatures with big feet in the traditions of [[France]] and [[Switzerland]]. In [[Iceland]], gnomes (''[[vættir]]'') are so respected that roads are re-routed around areas said to be inhabited by them. Further east, ''[[tengu]]'' are sometimes referred to as winged gnomes. Some confusion arises as the gnome is one of many similar but subtly different creatures in European folklore; mythical creatures such as [[goblin]]s and [[dwarf|dwarves]] are often represented as gnomes, and vice versa.


Individual gnomes are not very often detailed or featured as characters in stories, but in [[Germanic folklore]], [[Rübezahl]], the lord over the [[underworld]], was sometimes referred to as a mountain gnome. According to some traditions, the gnome king is called Gob.
On [[18th March]] [[1803]], and by now a [[Major General#United Kingdom|Major General]], Asgill writes: “I was reappointed to the Staff of Ireland, and placed in the Command of the Eastern District, in which the Garrison of Dublin is included; I was in Command during the Rebellion which broke out in the City in July 1803. In August 1805 I had the command of a very large Camp which was formed at the [[Curragh of Kildare]]; and since that period have continued in the same Command in the Eastern District:- Whenever any Armament or Expedition was preparing I always offered my Services to the Commander in Chief and should have been highly gratified had they been accepted. From the nature of my Command in Dublin (where there is always a considerable Garrison) I have been much in the Habit of strict Exercise of Weapons, and in respect to my competency it is for the General Officers to decide, under whose command I have had the honor of Serving”.


[[Rudolf Steiner]] lectured at length on gnomes, and especially their supportive role in the development of plant life (and [[biodynamic agriculture]]).
Asgill was appointed Colonel of the 2nd Battalion 46th Regiment of Foot (South Devonshire Regiment) on 9th May 1800. In 1802 the 2nd Battalion 46th Regiment of Foot was disbanded and Sir Charles went onto half-pay as the Colonel of a disbanded battalion. Promoted to [[Lieutenant-General (UK)|Lieutenant General]] in January 1805, he was appointed [[Colonel (UK)|Colonel]] of the 5th [[West India Regiment]] on [[10th February]] [[1806]]; Colonel of the [[85th Regiment of Foot]] on [[30 October]] [[1806]] and Colonel of the [[11th Regiment of Foot]] on [[25 February]] [[1807]]. He was promoted to full General on 4 June 1814.


Modern sources often depict gnomes as diminutive, stout humanoids who wear tall, pointed conical caps and dress in solid colors such as blue, red or green; in this depiction, the male gnome always has a long white beard.
Charles Asgill died in London. He was buried in the vault at [[St James's Church, Piccadilly]] on [[1 August]] [[1823]]. His wife, Sophia Asgill, predeceased him in 1819 and she too is buried in the vault at St. James’s. St. James's Church Piccadilly [http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.asp?compid=40544#s4] was damaged in the Blitz of London in 1940. After WWII ended, specialist contractors, Rattee and Kett Ltd, of Cambridge [http://www.ratteeandkett.com/history.asp], under the supervision of Messrs. W.F. Heslop and F. Brigmore, undertook restoration work which was completed in 1954. Two former employees, who were involved with the restoration work, remembered temporarily removing coffins from the vault prior to installing under-floor-heating. They stated, in 2003, that the Church has a vault, although the present-day staff were unaware of this and have no record of either Asgill being buried there. Curiously, also, when monumental inscriptions were drawn up in the mid-19th Century, and again in the early 20th Century (prior to the bomb damage to the church) no monumental inscriptions have been recorded for either Charles or Sophia Asgill. It would seem, therefore, that the General did not place a memorial to his wife, and nor did the Asgill family place one for him after his death. This is strange since Charles Asgill was one of the notable men of his age. He loved his wife, referring to her as "my beloved wife" in his will, in spite of the fact that history has recorded her as a woman of great beauty, a flirt, and enjoying the company of other men, notably [[Thomas Graham, 1st Baron Lynedoch]] (see ''The Diary of Frances Lady Shelley 1787-1817'').


==Names of gnomes in different parts in Europe==
The character, "Lady Olivia" in ''Leonara'' by Maria Edgeworth, was rumoured to be based on Lady Sophia Asgill, thereby portraying her as woman of loose morals! Rumours circulated thus: “Lady Olivia in ‘ Leonara ‘ is now supposed by all Dublin to be a portrait of Lady Asgill”. Also, the following letter sheds light on Sophia: Maria Edgeworth’s letter to her aunt Mrs. Sneyd at Byrkley Lodge, Lichfield, dated 3rd December 1809. To my dear Aunt Charlotte, ...She told us a great many good anecdotes of Lady Asgill - of whom she has seen a great deal, and it was for some time difficult for us to determine whether she was her friend or her enemy but at last this point was determined by her account of a battle royal between these two belles at Miss Whyte’s own table lately in Dublin. Lady Asgill began the attack thus “ Miss Whyte do you know the good people of Dublin are beginning to abuse you quite as much as they abuse me”. “Oh no, I hope not quite so bad as that” – quoth Miss W. “Why though they abuse me, I’m certainly very popular” reasoned Lady A – “for if I invite 60 people to my dinners or my concerts not one of the 60 send an excuse. They all come to my parties”. “Oh that is no proof of popularity” replied Miss W “for your ladyship knows that if one came down from the gibbet and gave good dinners and good music they might be sure of having everybody at their party.” The conversation went on from popularity to notoriety. Then the word famous was brought in by some of the company and a Mrs Parkhurst (the English lady who brought in the message about comedy from Sheridan) brought in the word infamous. I don’t exactly know how, but Lady Asgill, who has, it is said, infinite command of temper, coolly in her high feigned voice said " Does Mrs Parkhurst mean to say that Miss Whyte and I are infamous?".
These are the names by which gnomes are commonly designated in different parts of the Europe:
[[Neatherlands]]-Kabouter
[[Ireland]]-Goblin
[[Belgium]]-Gnome, Kabouter
[[Germany]]-Heinzelmannchen
[[Norway]]-Tomte or Nisse
[[Denmark]]-Nisse
[[Italy]]-Gnomo
[[Poland]]-Gnom
[[Finland]]-Tonttu
[[Russia]]-Domovi Djedoesjka
[[Serbia]]-Kippec
[[Bulgaria]]-Djudje
[[Czechoslovakia]]-Skirtek
[[Hungary]]-Mano


==Garden gnomes==
Upon his death the [[Asgill Baronetcy]] became extinct. Most biographies claim he died without issue (excepting ''A New Biographical Dictionary of 3000 Cotemporary (sic) Public Characters'', Second Edition, Vol I, Part I, printed for Geo. B. Whittacker, Ave-Maria Lane, 1825 which states Sophia bore him children). This book of 1825 would probably have been collated and prepared for printing during Asgill’s lifetime as his entry is written in the present tense.
[[Image:P1000744.jpg|thumb|right|Typical German garden gnome]]
[[Image:lamport-gnome-replica-amoswolfe.jpg|right|thumb|A replica of Lampy the Lamport gnome.]]
The first garden gnomes were made in the town of [[Gräfenroda]] in [[Thuringia]], [[Germany]] in the mid-[[1800s]] by Phillip Griebel. Griebel made terracotta animals as decorations and created the gnome based on local myths as a way for people to enjoy the stories of the gnomes' willingness to help in the garden at night. The garden gnome quickly spread across Germany and into France and England, and wherever gardening was a serious hobby. Gnome manufacture spread across Germany with numerous other large and small manufacturers coming into and out of the business, each one having its own particular style of design. [[World War II]] was hard on the industry and most producers gave up then. Griebel's descendants still make them and are the last of the German producers, all others having moved production to [[Poland]] or [[China]].


Traditional gnomes are made from a [[terracotta]] clay slurry poured into molds. The gnome is removed from the mold, allowed to dry, and then fired in a [[kiln]] until it is hard. Once cooled the gnome is painted to the level of detail desired and sent off to do work in someone's garden. More modern gnomes are made from [[resin]]s and similar materials.
[[John Asgill]], 1659-1738, (known as Translated Asgill) was a relative, both being descendants of Joshua Asgyll MA, DD, born 1585.


Garden gnomes were first introduced to the [[United Kingdom]] in [[1847]] by Sir Charles Isham, when he brought 21 [[terracotta]] figures back from a trip to [[Germany]] and placed them as ornaments in the gardens of his home, [[Lamport Hall]] in [[Northamptonshire]]. Only one of the original batch of gnomes survives: ''Lampy'', as he is known, fully washes himself every Tuesday, is on display at Lamport Hall, and is insured for one million [[pound Sterling|pounds]].{{Fact|date=February 2007}}
==Images==


Garden gnomes have become a popular [[lawn ornament|accessory]] in many gardens, although they are not loved by all. They are often the target of [[prank]]s: people have been known to return garden gnomes "to the wild", most notably [[France]]'s ''"Front de Liberation des Nains de Jardins"'' and Italy's ''"MALAG"'' ([[Garden Gnome Liberation Front]]). Some kidnapped garden gnomes have been sent on trips around the world (the [[travelling gnome prank]]; this later became the basis for [[Travelocity]]'s "Roaming Gnome").
Images of General Sir Charles Asgill may be found at the following locations.


Due to the recent rise of pranks against gnomes, a website called [http://www.gnomeswithouthomes.com Gnomes Without Homes] was created as an international data base of missing gnomes. The site allows people looking for wayward gnomes to post photos and information that might lead to their return. In addition, GnomesWithoutHomes.com allows gnome-gnappers to post travel photos and information on gnomes that have been abducted.
'''The New York Public Library''' holds a copy of the following image: [http://digitalgallery.nypl.org/nypldigital/dgkeysearchresult.cfm?keyword=Asgill&submit.x=13&submit.y=10]


Gnomes are often depicted as having beards and are typically males. They may or may not have pointed ears. They usually wear green clothing.
'''An engraving which was published on April 1, 1786''', as an illustration in John Andrews’ book, ''History of the War with America, France, Spain, and Holland: Commencing in 1775 and Ending in 1783'', 4 vols. (London: J. Fielding, 1785-86). The engraving was apparently based on '''a portrait miniature, whose present location is unknown.''' Asgill wears a scarlet frock coat with dark blue facings. The collar and lapels are edged with gold lace, but the buttonholes on the facings are plain. His buttons are gilt. The collar buttons down over the top lapel button. Curiously, Asgill sports a gold epaulette on his left shoulder. A battalion company officer in the Foot Guards would have worn a single epaulette on his right shoulder. It is not known if Asgill was assigned to the 1st Foot Guards grenadier company after his return to England. If he was, it seems odd that he is shown wearing a cocked hat rather than a bearskin cap. The temporary light infantry company that served with Brigade of Guards in the American War was dissolved after the cessation of hostilities. Thus either the artist took some liberties in depicting Asgill’s uniform, or the latter was a grenadier when he posed for his portrait. It is a possibility that '''the lost miniature''' was painted before Asgill left to join Lord Cornwallis’s army in America. Perhaps his family wanted a likeness of their only son before he left England, knowing he was going to war and might not return.


Gnomes have become controversial in serious gardening circles in the UK, and are banned from the prestigious [[Chelsea Flower Show]] as the organisers claim that they detract from the garden designs. Gnome enthusiasts accuse the organisers of snobbery because they are popular in working class and suburban gardens.
Asgill also wears a white ruffled shirt, a black neckstock, and a white waistcoat. His black cocked hat is plain, except for a gilt button and gold lace loop securing the cockade on the left front. Asgill wears his hair en queue with side curls. The hair also looks like it could have been powdered.


A sub-culture exists among those who collect garden gnomes, which is frequently lampooned in [[popular culture]].
The above information has been provided by Gregory J.W. Urwin, Professor of History, [[Temple University]], Doylestown, PA 18901.


Garden gnomes were made in various poses and pursuing various pastimes, such as fishing or gardening.
'''The National Army Museum, London''', holds a copy of the following image (1981-03-61, image number 79658, with copyright belonging to the Museum):[http://www.national-army-museum.ac.uk/research/fda.shtml]


:''See also [[plastic flamingos]]''
'''Mezzotint by Charles Turner after original oil painted by Sir [[Thomas Phillips]] RA''', and exhibited at the [[Royal Academy]] London, in 1822, the year before Asgill died. In his will, General Asgill left this portrait to his brother-in-law, Admiral Sir Charles [[Ogle]] (brother of his wife Sophia). Asgill states in his will: “And I give to the said [[Sir Charles Ogle, 2nd Baronet]], for his, my portrait painted by Phillips, and at his decease I give and bequeath the same portrait to his son Chaloner Ogle, requesting it may be preserved and retained in his family”. It thus seems clear that Asgill wanted the Ogle family to treasure his portrait and preserve it in perpetuity, '''however the present location of this [[portrait]] is unknown.'''


==Gnomes in popular culture==
Admiral Sir Charles Ogle disinherited his son, Chaloner Ogle (3rd Baronet), so it is unclear what then happened to the portrait. It possibly went instead to his daughter, Sophia Ogle, who married her cousin the Rev. Edward Chaloner Ogle who succeeded to [[Kirkley Hall]] in 1853. See also [[Kirkley Hall Timeline]].
{{cleanup-laundry}}


*The Gnome King is the principal villain in [[Eva Katherine Gibson]]'s ''[[Zauberlinda the Wise Witch]]''. The book was one of the first to capitalize on [[L. Frank Baum]]'s ''[[The Wonderful Wizard of Oz]]'' and this character leaves one to wonder if it in turn influenced Baum.
After Asgill died, Admiral Ogle wrote to the artist saying: Sir Charles Ogle requests Mr Philips will have the goodness to deliver the picture of the late Sir Charles Asgill to the bearer Mr Goslett - If Mr Philips has any demand on Sir Charles Asgill, he is requested to send it to Mr Domville. Fm C ....? ....? (illegible) 42 Berkeley Sq, Oct 23 1823.


*The Gnome King in [[L. Frank Baum]]'s ''[[The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus]]''. The Gnome King, one of the immortals, wants toys for his children (presumably as fixed in ages as the [[Light Elf]] princes Flash and Twilight), but he does not believe in the concept of gifts, so he trades a string of sleigh bells, one for each of Santa Claus's ten reindeer, in exchange for each gift he receives. He is also among the council that votes to give Santa Claus the Mantle of Immortality.
Clearly the Admiral thought there was a possibility that the General had not paid Phillips for the portrait at the time of his death, and it would also seem likely that Asgill had not actually taken delivery of same. '''Where is the portrait now, that is the question?'''


*The [[Nome King]] (spelled without the silent "G") and his nome subjects nearly transformed [[Dorothy Gale]] and her friends into bric-a-brac in ''[[Ozma of Oz]]'', the third book in [[L. Frank Baum]]'s ''[[The Wonderful Wizard of Oz]]'' series. The character appeared several times in later [[The Oz books|books in the series]], usually as an ambitious enemy. Fans have debated what relationship, if any, he has to the above character.
[[Harper's Encyclopedia of United States History]] has a further image of Captain Charles Asgill. A copy of this is held at The British Library.


*[[J. R. R. Tolkien]] used the word ''gnome'' in his early work ''[[The Book of Lost Tales]]'' for the people later called the [[Noldor]] (part of his [[Calaquendi|High Elves]]). He dropped the term in his published works, since he found the gnomes of folklore to be so unlike his High Elves as to confuse his readers.
'''The National Library of Ireland''' holds a cartoon attributed to William Sadler showing General Sir Charles Asgill in the uniform of the [[11th Regiment of Foot]], of which he was Colonel. It shows four military officers in different regimental uniforms. Inscribed in ink above their heads are their names or rank: Colonel Perry 16th Lancers; A Regimental Doctor 70th Reg - The 70th called the "Black Dogs"; An officer of the Green Horse, 5th Dragoon; Sir Charles Asgill, Colonel of the 11th. Reproduction rights owned by National Library of Ireland. [http://www.nli.ie/]

*[[Gnomes (Discworld)|Gnomes]] are one of several races on [[Terry Pratchett|Terry Pratchett's]] [[Discworld (world)|Discworld]], where they are also called [[goblins]]. The [[Nac Mac Feegle]] are sometimes considered an ethnic subgroup of gnomes. One notable gnome character is [[Wee Mad Arthur]].

*Nomes (again without a "G") are a race of tiny [[Extraterrestrial life in culture|alien]]s who have been living on Earth for centuries in Pratchett's trilogy of children's books ''[[The Bromeliad]]''.

*''Revenge of the Gnomes'' was a popular 1989 [[Cinema of Korea|Korean film]], banned in several countries for racist dialogue. {{Fact|date=February 2007}}

*''Gnomes'' and ''Secrets of the Gnomes'' by [[Wil Huygen]] and [[Rien Poortvliet]] are illustrated fictional guidebooks to the mythical creatures, and resulted in the spin-off [[animated series]] ''[[The World of David the Gnome]]''. These are originally written in Dutch, where gnomes are called ''[[Kabouter]]s''. These books depict gnomes as a wise, noble, and civilized race whose natural enemies are the [[troll]]s, due to their contrasting natures.

*In some games, including the [[MMORPG]] ''[[Dungeons & Dragons]]'' (see [[Gnome (Dungeons & Dragons)]]), ''[[EverQuest]]'', ''[[Horizons: Empire of Istaria]]'', and ''[[World of Warcraft]]'' (see [[Gnome (Warcraft)]]), gnomes are a short race of humanoids closely related to [[dwarf|dwarves]], exceptionally adept at tinkering and mechanics. This often results in they and their allies having technologies not normally found in fantasy settings, such as firearms or robot-like automata.

* In the [[SNES]] RPG ''[[Secret of Mana]]'', Gnome was the guardian of the Earth Temple, found in Gaia's Navel, and the 2nd summon magic available to the player. His magic was primarily earth based: his "black" magic involved using either a stone or gem projectile to attack an enemy or using vines to slow an enemy down; while his "white" magic involved increasing defense and speed, or encasing your weapons (and by extension, your enemies) in stone.

*[[Eoin Colfer]]'s "[[Artemis Fowl]]" series frequently mentions gnomes as merely smaller versions of the already very short elves. They share the same traits as the elves do, except, they are smaller and weaker.

*[[J.K. Rowling]]'s ''[[Harry Potter]]'' book series makes a brief mention of garden gnomes. Unlike the common portrayal of congenial, human-like dwarves with beards, the gnomes in Harry Potter are crude creatures "like a potato with legs". To the wizarding community, gnomes are nothing more than an average garden nuisance like a [[Mole (animal)|mole]].

*In the American television situation comedy [[3rd Rock From The Sun]] a garden Gnome holding an axe can often be seen as a prop on the apartment living room set. This gnome was commercially available as one of a collection of vinyl garden gnomes manufactured by Chicago garden statuary company, ArtLine, Inc. and originally sculpted by [[Cincinnati]], [[Ohio]] artist Christopher Howes. The gnome with the axe seems to have a bit of a crazed look in his eyes!

*In [[Lost Magic]], the Gnomes are small, brown dirt-like earth elementals found in Goldsand Dunes; they attack using the horns on the top of their heads.

*In [[Terry Brooks]]' ''[[Sword of Shannara]]'' series, gnomes are a race of short, ugly humanoids that share many common characteristics with the [[goblin]]s of Tolkien's Middle-earth and other works of modern fantasy fiction.

*The French film ''[[Amélie]]'' includes a portrayal of the popular custom of stealing a garden gnome and returning it with pictures of the gnome in various faraway places. Various other popular works, such as the music video for the [[Matthew Good Band|Matthew Good Band's]] song ''Anti-pop'', similarly depict the practice.

*"The Roaming Gnome" is the official mascot and commercial "spokesman" for the online [[travel agency]] [[Travelocity]].

*In ''[[King of the Hill]]'''s 9th season episode "[[Yard, She Blows!]]", Peggy Hill becomes infatuated with a garden gnome named Winklebottom and places it on the front lawn, to the embarrassment of her husband, Hank. Their son Bobby accidentally breaks its ear off, so Hank takes the opportunity to destroy and bury it, telling Peggy it was stolen. Peggy is distraught and Hank, not wanting to continue to lie to Peggy, goes to a German tourist town to buy a new garden gnome, named Figgleforth. Peggy loves her new gnome but suggests it be kept indoors to prevent theft. Hank is delighted until the gnome is placed in his bedroom. He is so creeped out by the gnome that he cannot undress in front of it.

*In the ''Pixie Tricks'' series by Tracey West, Robert B. Gnome is of the Otherworld, given permission by the Fairy Queen to live as a colonist of sorts in the human world. He poses (literally) as a garden statue for much of the time, but can be interacted with as if with a living being.

*[[The Gnome]] is the eighth track on [[Pink Floyd]]'s debut album ''[[The Piper at the Gates of Dawn]]''.

*[http://ttg.comicgenesis.com/ Tales of the Traveling Gnome] is a popular [[webcomic]] that details the life of a gnome wizard traveling through a very ''[[Dungeons & Dragons]]''-esque world.

* Garden gnomes are often used in [[video game]]s in relation to [[easter egg (media)|easter eggs]], secrets, and [[cheat code|intentional cheats]]. Examples of games that do this as a recurring gag include ''[[The Sims Bustin' Out]]'' and ''[[Psi-Ops: The Mindgate Conspiracy]]''.

* In the animated TV show ''[[Home Movies (TV series)|Home Movies]]'' an inanimate garden gnome makes an appearance in every episode, often hidden in the background or subtly incorporated into a scene. It also appears on the DVD menus for the show.

* A garden gnome appears in every episode of the [[Disney Channel]]'s ''[[Higglytown Heroes]]''.

* The ''[[South Park]]'' episode [[Gnomes (South Park episode)|Gnomes]] features gnomes with a [[business plan]] parodying the [[dot.com]] era: 1. Collect underpants; 2. ?; 3. Profit!

*The album artwork for [[George Harrison]]'s ''[[All Things Must Pass]]'' features garden gnomes.

*A garden gnome appears on the cover of [[The Beatles|the Beatles']] album ''[[Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band]]'' near the "B" in "BEATLES".

* In the computer game [[The Sims]], garden gnomes are carved on a workbench to increase the player's Mechanical skill and may also be sold for income. In the expansion pack "Makin' Magic", these gnomes may be enchanted by the player to come alive and automatically assume gardening chores. But woe to the witch who has an enchanted gnome and then uses a certain gardening spell; the gnome will fly into a rage and go about destroying the entire property! You have been warned!

*In many video games where characters have the ability to summon spirits, such as [[Seiken Densetsu]] and [[Tales (role-playing game series)|Tales of...]], the Earth spirit is called Gnome.

*On the cartoon "Invader Zim," Zim places gnomes in his front yard in order to "blend in" with the humans. In fact, they make up part of his defense of his base, often zapping Dib with their eye rays.

*In the [[Charmed]] episode "[[Charmed Noir]]", a gnome was shot in [[Magic School]], the event leading to an investigation by [[Agent Brody]] and the [[Charmed Ones]].


==See also==
==See also==
{{commonscat|Garden gnomes}}
* [[Asgill Baronets]]
* [[John Asgill]]
*[[Dwarf]]
*[[Elf]]
* [[Robert Taylor (architect)|Robert Taylor]]
* [[Joshua Huddy]]
*[[Erdgeist]]
* [[Nicholas Barbon]]
*[[German folklore]]
* [[2nd Canadian Regiment]]
*[[Gnomes of Zürich]]
*[[Gnome Liberation Front]]
* [[Thomas Phillips]]
*[[Goblin]]
* [[Ogle]] Family History/Genealogy
*[[Kallikantzaroi]]
*[[Kabouter]]
*[[Leprechaun]]
*[[Lord Gnome]]
*[[Sprite (creature)]]
*[[Tomte]]
*[[Troll]]
*[[Vetter]]

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* [http://www.zwerglignomes.com History of garden gnomes] with pictures showing how they are made



[[Category:European folklore]]
==Further Reading==
[[Category:Legendary creatures]]
* Mayo, Katherine. ''General Washington's Dilemma''.
[[Category:Gardening]]
* Tombs, Robert and Tombs, Isabelle. ''That Sweet Enemy: The British and the French from the Sun King to the Present''. Reviewer A.J. Flint of London has this to say: "There seems to me to be two sorts of history books - those written by academics and intended to be read by other academics and then those produced by "television historians" (memorably attacked in Alan Bennett's play ''The History Boys'') aiming at a mass market. This book is in neither category. It is exhaustively researched (30 page bibliography) but is elegantly written with frequent excursions into lives which were affected by Anglo-French relations - ''Captain Asgill'', Paul de Rapin, Abbe Jean-Bernard le Blanc, Charles Frederick Worth, Emma Crouch and many others. If, like me, you have never heard of these people..."
[[Category:Classical elements]]
* Pierce, Arthur D. ''Smugglers' Woods: Jaunts and Journeys in Colonial and Revolutionary New Jersey.''
* The Joshua Huddy Era, Documents of the American Revolution [http://co.monmouth.nj.us/page.asp?agency=9&Section=1678&Id=1800]
* McHugh, Rodger. ''Voice of Rebellion: Carlow in 1798 - The Autobiography of William Farrell'' edited by Roger McHugh with an introduction by Patrick Bergin.
* Packenham, Thomas. ''The Year of Liberty – The Great Irish Rebellion of 1798''.
* Shelley, Frances. ''The Diary of Frances Lady Shelley 1787-1817''.
* [[Granville Leveson-Gower, 1st Earl Granville]]. ''Private Correspondence 1781-1821'' edited by his Daughter-in-Law Castalia Countess Granville in 2 Vols only.
* le Barbier-le-Jeune J.S., ''Asgill'', drama in five acts, in prose, dedicated to Lady Asgill, at London and at Paris, 1783. It is believed that this is the play, commissioned by Queen Marie Antoinette, which was performed for the first time at the Palace of Versailles when the Asgill family went to France to thank the King and Queen for saving young Asgill's life.
* de Lacoste, Henri ''Washington, Or The Reprisal'' A Factual Drama, A Play in Three Acts, in prose, Staged for the first time in Paris at the Théâtre de l’Impératrice, on 5 January 1813. Henri de Lacoste, Member of the Légion d’Honneur and l’Ordre impérial de la Réunion.
* d'Aubigny, ''Washington or the Orphan of Pennsylvania'', melodrama in three acts, a spectacle, by M. d'Aubigny, one of the authors of ''The Thieving Magpie'', with music and ballets, shown for the first time, at Paris, in the Ambigu-Comique theatre, 13 July 1815.


[[Category:1762 births]]
[[bs:Gnom]]
[[Category:1823 deaths]]
[[cs:Gnóm]]
[[de:Gnom (Mythologie)]]
[[Category:Baronets in the Baronetage of England|Asgill, Charles, 2nd Baronet]]
[[es:Gnomo]]
[[Category:George Washington|Asgill, Charles, 2nd Baronet]]
[[eo:Gnomo]]
[[fr:Gnome (créature fantastique)]]
[[id:Gnome]]
[[it:Gnomo]]
[[nl:Kabouter]]
[[ja:ノーム]]
[[nn:Hagenisse]]
[[pl:Gnom]]
[[ro:Gnom]]
[[fi:Gnoomi]]
[[zh:地精]]

Revision as of 11:23, 23 March 2007

Template:Two other uses

A gnome (or "Nisse") hiding behind a toadstool.

A gnome is a legendary creature characterized by its very small size and subterranean lifestyle.

The word gnome is derived from the New Latin gnomus. It is often claimed to descend from the Greek gnosis, "knowledge", but more likely comes from genomos "earth-dweller".

In Folklore

Often featured in Germanic fairy tales, including those by the Brothers Grimm, the gnome often resembles a gnarled old man living deep underground who guards buried treasure. Because of this, Swiss bankers are sometimes disparagingly referred to as the Gnomes of Zürich. Gnomes feature in the legends of many of central, northern and eastern European lands by other names: a kaukis is a Prussian gnome, and barbegazi are gnome-like creatures with big feet in the traditions of France and Switzerland. In Iceland, gnomes (vættir) are so respected that roads are re-routed around areas said to be inhabited by them. Further east, tengu are sometimes referred to as winged gnomes. Some confusion arises as the gnome is one of many similar but subtly different creatures in European folklore; mythical creatures such as goblins and dwarves are often represented as gnomes, and vice versa.

Individual gnomes are not very often detailed or featured as characters in stories, but in Germanic folklore, Rübezahl, the lord over the underworld, was sometimes referred to as a mountain gnome. According to some traditions, the gnome king is called Gob.

Rudolf Steiner lectured at length on gnomes, and especially their supportive role in the development of plant life (and biodynamic agriculture).

Modern sources often depict gnomes as diminutive, stout humanoids who wear tall, pointed conical caps and dress in solid colors such as blue, red or green; in this depiction, the male gnome always has a long white beard.

Names of gnomes in different parts in Europe

These are the names by which gnomes are commonly designated in different parts of the Europe: Neatherlands-Kabouter Ireland-Goblin Belgium-Gnome, Kabouter Germany-Heinzelmannchen Norway-Tomte or Nisse Denmark-Nisse Italy-Gnomo Poland-Gnom Finland-Tonttu Russia-Domovi Djedoesjka Serbia-Kippec Bulgaria-Djudje Czechoslovakia-Skirtek Hungary-Mano

Garden gnomes

File:P1000744.jpg
Typical German garden gnome
A replica of Lampy the Lamport gnome.

The first garden gnomes were made in the town of Gräfenroda in Thuringia, Germany in the mid-1800s by Phillip Griebel. Griebel made terracotta animals as decorations and created the gnome based on local myths as a way for people to enjoy the stories of the gnomes' willingness to help in the garden at night. The garden gnome quickly spread across Germany and into France and England, and wherever gardening was a serious hobby. Gnome manufacture spread across Germany with numerous other large and small manufacturers coming into and out of the business, each one having its own particular style of design. World War II was hard on the industry and most producers gave up then. Griebel's descendants still make them and are the last of the German producers, all others having moved production to Poland or China.

Traditional gnomes are made from a terracotta clay slurry poured into molds. The gnome is removed from the mold, allowed to dry, and then fired in a kiln until it is hard. Once cooled the gnome is painted to the level of detail desired and sent off to do work in someone's garden. More modern gnomes are made from resins and similar materials.

Garden gnomes were first introduced to the United Kingdom in 1847 by Sir Charles Isham, when he brought 21 terracotta figures back from a trip to Germany and placed them as ornaments in the gardens of his home, Lamport Hall in Northamptonshire. Only one of the original batch of gnomes survives: Lampy, as he is known, fully washes himself every Tuesday, is on display at Lamport Hall, and is insured for one million pounds.[citation needed]

Garden gnomes have become a popular accessory in many gardens, although they are not loved by all. They are often the target of pranks: people have been known to return garden gnomes "to the wild", most notably France's "Front de Liberation des Nains de Jardins" and Italy's "MALAG" (Garden Gnome Liberation Front). Some kidnapped garden gnomes have been sent on trips around the world (the travelling gnome prank; this later became the basis for Travelocity's "Roaming Gnome").

Due to the recent rise of pranks against gnomes, a website called Gnomes Without Homes was created as an international data base of missing gnomes. The site allows people looking for wayward gnomes to post photos and information that might lead to their return. In addition, GnomesWithoutHomes.com allows gnome-gnappers to post travel photos and information on gnomes that have been abducted.

Gnomes are often depicted as having beards and are typically males. They may or may not have pointed ears. They usually wear green clothing.

Gnomes have become controversial in serious gardening circles in the UK, and are banned from the prestigious Chelsea Flower Show as the organisers claim that they detract from the garden designs. Gnome enthusiasts accuse the organisers of snobbery because they are popular in working class and suburban gardens.

A sub-culture exists among those who collect garden gnomes, which is frequently lampooned in popular culture.

Garden gnomes were made in various poses and pursuing various pastimes, such as fishing or gardening.

See also plastic flamingos
  • The Gnome King in L. Frank Baum's The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus. The Gnome King, one of the immortals, wants toys for his children (presumably as fixed in ages as the Light Elf princes Flash and Twilight), but he does not believe in the concept of gifts, so he trades a string of sleigh bells, one for each of Santa Claus's ten reindeer, in exchange for each gift he receives. He is also among the council that votes to give Santa Claus the Mantle of Immortality.
  • J. R. R. Tolkien used the word gnome in his early work The Book of Lost Tales for the people later called the Noldor (part of his High Elves). He dropped the term in his published works, since he found the gnomes of folklore to be so unlike his High Elves as to confuse his readers.
  • Nomes (again without a "G") are a race of tiny aliens who have been living on Earth for centuries in Pratchett's trilogy of children's books The Bromeliad.
  • In the SNES RPG Secret of Mana, Gnome was the guardian of the Earth Temple, found in Gaia's Navel, and the 2nd summon magic available to the player. His magic was primarily earth based: his "black" magic involved using either a stone or gem projectile to attack an enemy or using vines to slow an enemy down; while his "white" magic involved increasing defense and speed, or encasing your weapons (and by extension, your enemies) in stone.
  • Eoin Colfer's "Artemis Fowl" series frequently mentions gnomes as merely smaller versions of the already very short elves. They share the same traits as the elves do, except, they are smaller and weaker.
  • J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter book series makes a brief mention of garden gnomes. Unlike the common portrayal of congenial, human-like dwarves with beards, the gnomes in Harry Potter are crude creatures "like a potato with legs". To the wizarding community, gnomes are nothing more than an average garden nuisance like a mole.
  • In the American television situation comedy 3rd Rock From The Sun a garden Gnome holding an axe can often be seen as a prop on the apartment living room set. This gnome was commercially available as one of a collection of vinyl garden gnomes manufactured by Chicago garden statuary company, ArtLine, Inc. and originally sculpted by Cincinnati, Ohio artist Christopher Howes. The gnome with the axe seems to have a bit of a crazed look in his eyes!
  • In Lost Magic, the Gnomes are small, brown dirt-like earth elementals found in Goldsand Dunes; they attack using the horns on the top of their heads.
  • In Terry Brooks' Sword of Shannara series, gnomes are a race of short, ugly humanoids that share many common characteristics with the goblins of Tolkien's Middle-earth and other works of modern fantasy fiction.
  • The French film Amélie includes a portrayal of the popular custom of stealing a garden gnome and returning it with pictures of the gnome in various faraway places. Various other popular works, such as the music video for the Matthew Good Band's song Anti-pop, similarly depict the practice.
  • In King of the Hill's 9th season episode "Yard, She Blows!", Peggy Hill becomes infatuated with a garden gnome named Winklebottom and places it on the front lawn, to the embarrassment of her husband, Hank. Their son Bobby accidentally breaks its ear off, so Hank takes the opportunity to destroy and bury it, telling Peggy it was stolen. Peggy is distraught and Hank, not wanting to continue to lie to Peggy, goes to a German tourist town to buy a new garden gnome, named Figgleforth. Peggy loves her new gnome but suggests it be kept indoors to prevent theft. Hank is delighted until the gnome is placed in his bedroom. He is so creeped out by the gnome that he cannot undress in front of it.
  • In the Pixie Tricks series by Tracey West, Robert B. Gnome is of the Otherworld, given permission by the Fairy Queen to live as a colonist of sorts in the human world. He poses (literally) as a garden statue for much of the time, but can be interacted with as if with a living being.
  • In the animated TV show Home Movies an inanimate garden gnome makes an appearance in every episode, often hidden in the background or subtly incorporated into a scene. It also appears on the DVD menus for the show.
  • In the computer game The Sims, garden gnomes are carved on a workbench to increase the player's Mechanical skill and may also be sold for income. In the expansion pack "Makin' Magic", these gnomes may be enchanted by the player to come alive and automatically assume gardening chores. But woe to the witch who has an enchanted gnome and then uses a certain gardening spell; the gnome will fly into a rage and go about destroying the entire property! You have been warned!
  • In many video games where characters have the ability to summon spirits, such as Seiken Densetsu and Tales of..., the Earth spirit is called Gnome.
  • On the cartoon "Invader Zim," Zim places gnomes in his front yard in order to "blend in" with the humans. In fact, they make up part of his defense of his base, often zapping Dib with their eye rays.

See also

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Garden gnomes.
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