Gnome

Gnomes are elemental beings who are closely tied to the Earth; the word Gnome may come from the Greek genomus, which means "earth dweller," or gnoma, which means the "the knowing ones." The term Gnome has come to include many species of Earth elementals besides the creatures we know by this name.

The Germans call these little beings Erdmanleins, while in the German Alpine areas they are known as Heinzemannchens. The Swedes know them as the Nissen, a name similar to Nisse, which is used by the Danes and Norwegians. The Balkan countries have several names: Gnom, Djude, and Mano.

Gnomes themselves, as a species, are of a wide variety of types and forms. Most of them range from four to twelve inches in height. They take on the physical appearance of the people of the country and culture in which they live, and have been seen all around the world.

They are protectors of fairy circles and have been known to cause problems to people who try and destroy the rings. They have a great love for the moon and moonlight.