Enter a player name to begin or load your saved progress.
Paracelsus, in the 16th century, introduced the concept of the gnome, defining it as a diminutive spirit within the frameworks of Renaissance magic and alchemy.
Answer: True
Explanation: The concept of the gnome as a diminutive spirit in Renaissance magic and alchemy was indeed introduced by Paracelsus in the 16th century, with the term appearing posthumously in his 1566 work.
Georg Agricola described mining spirits as being approximately 18 inches tall, which was consistent with Paracelsus's later descriptions.
Answer: False
Explanation: While Paracelsus described gnomes as approximately 18 inches tall (2 spans), Agricola described them as 3 dodrans, or about 27 inches tall, indicating a discrepancy rather than consistency.
The element cobalt received its name from a 16th-century German miners' term for unwanted ore, which was believed to be the mischief of a gnome.
Answer: True
Explanation: The term 'cobalt' derives from 'kobelt,' a 16th-century German miners' term for noxious ore, which they attributed to the mischievous actions of a gnome named Kobel.
Paracelsus classified gnomes as air elementals and considered them distinct from Pygmæi.
Answer: False
Explanation: Paracelsus classified gnomes as earth elementals and used 'Gnomi' as a synonym for 'Pygmæi,' indicating he did not consider them distinct.
Georgius Agricola, a contemporary of Paracelsus, compiled his knowledge of mythical subterranean beings in *De animatibus subterraneis*.
Answer: True
Explanation: Georgius Agricola, a contemporary of Paracelsus and a mine supervisor, indeed compiled his extensive knowledge of mythical subterranean beings in his 1549 monograph, *De animatibus subterraneis*.
Johannes Mathesius, a Lutheran theologian, attributed the noxious ore *cobelt* to a demon named *kobel* in his 1562 sermon.
Answer: True
Explanation: In his 1562 sermon, Johannes Mathesius indeed attributed the noxious ore *cobelt* to a demon named *kobel*, aligning with the miners' folklore of the time.
Agricola's *De animatibus subterraneis* described *cobalos* as mountain-cave demons that were quiet and rarely interacted with miners.
Answer: False
Explanation: Agricola described *cobalos* as mimicking humans, having a penchant for laughter, and pelting miners with pebbles, indicating active and often mischievous interaction rather than quiet reclusion.
The *virunculos montanos* described by Agricola were typically depicted as young, robust figures dressed in elaborate ceremonial attire.
Answer: False
Explanation: Agricola described the *virunculos montanos* as having a small stature, an appearance of old age, and dressed like miners in a laced shirt and leather apron, not as young, robust figures in ceremonial attire.
Agricola mentioned *Guteli* as amicable demons similar to mountain-cave demons, often rendered as 'goblins' in translations.
Answer: True
Explanation: Agricola did indeed mention the *Guteli* as amicable demons akin to mountain-cave demons, and these spirits were sometimes translated as 'goblins'.
Agricola's demonology in *Bermanus* cited Psellus, classifying subterranean demons as the third class.
Answer: False
Explanation: Agricola's *Bermanus* cited Psellus, who classified subterranean demons as the fifth class, not the third.
From which German legend did Paracelsus derive his concept of the gnome?
Answer: The German miners' legend about the *Bergmännlein*, or 'mountain manikin'.
Explanation: Paracelsus's concept of the gnome is recognized to have originated from the German miners' legend about the *Bergmännlein*, or 'mountain manikin,' also known as *dæmon metallicus*.
What was the approximate height of gnomes as described by Paracelsus?
Answer: 2 spans (approximately 18 inches)
Explanation: Paracelsus described gnomes as being two spans tall, which is approximately 18 inches or 1.5 feet.
From which Renaissance Latin term, appearing in Paracelsus's work, does the word 'gnome' originate?
Answer: *Gnomus, gnomos*
Explanation: The word 'gnome' originates from the Renaissance Latin terms *gnomus, gnomos*, which first appeared in Paracelsus's work *A Book on Nymphs, Sylphs, Pygmies, and Salamanders, and on the Other Spirits*.
How did Paracelsus view what are commonly called dwarfs (*Zwerg*) in relation to gnomes?
Answer: He classified them as *monstra*, or deformities, of the earth spirit gnome.
Explanation: Paracelsus considered what are commonly referred to as dwarfs (*Zwerg*) to be *monstra*, or deformities, of the earth spirit gnome.
What was the title of Georgius Agricola's monograph that compiled his knowledge of mythical subterranean beings?
Answer: *De animatibus subterraneis*
Explanation: Georgius Agricola compiled his extensive knowledge of mythical subterranean beings in his monograph, *De animatibus subterraneis* (1549).
What was the primary characteristic of the *cobalos* described by Agricola in *De animatibus subterraneis*?
Answer: They mimicked humans, had a penchant for laughter, and pelted miners with pebbles.
Explanation: Agricola described the *cobalos* as mimicking humans, having a penchant for laughter, and pelting miners with pebbles without causing serious harm unless provoked.
A mountain demon incident at the Rosenkranz mine in Annaberg resulted in 12 fatalities when the demon appeared as a horse with poisonous breath.
Answer: True
Explanation: According to Agricola, a mountain demon incident at the Rosenkranz mine in Annaberg-Buchholz purportedly caused 12 fatalities, with the demon manifesting as a horse with poisonous breath.
In Harz Mountains folklore, the *Bergmönch* was believed to lead miners away from silver ore if they ignored his warnings.
Answer: False
Explanation: The *Bergmönch* in Harz Mountains folklore was believed to guide miners *to* silver ore or to the mine exit, not away from it. Ignoring him would lead to an angry appearance in his giant form.
Nineteenth-century miners in Bohemia and Hungary interpreted knocking sounds as warnings from kobolds to avoid certain directions.
Answer: True
Explanation: Miners in 19th-century Bohemia and Hungary indeed interpreted knocking sounds as warnings from kobolds, advising them against proceeding in specific directions.
Swiss folklore suggests gnomes caused a landslide in Plurs in 1618 because the villagers became too wealthy and offended them.
Answer: True
Explanation: Swiss folklore recounts that gnomes, offended by the villagers' corruption due to newfound wealth from a gold mine they created, caused a landslide that destroyed the village of Plurs in 1618.
Jacob Grimm's 'Mythologische Schule' proposed that tales of *Bergmännlein* were derivatives of pagan Germanic mythologies.
Answer: True
Explanation: Jacob Grimm's 'Mythologische Schule' posited that tales of *Bergmännlein* were derived from the *Zwerge*/*dvergr* of pagan Germanic mythologies, discussing them under the subsection of Dwarfs.
The *Berggeist* in German folklore has been a subject of academic debate, with interpretations ranging from ancient pagan worship to medieval Catholic notions.
Answer: True
Explanation: The term *Berggeist* (mountain spirit) in German folklore has indeed been a subject of academic debate, with various interpretations linking it to ancient mythology, medieval religious concepts, or the unique worldview of miners.
What was the original identity of the *Bergmönch* in Harz Mountains folklore?
Answer: A deceased mine supervisor who begged God to continue overseeing the mines.
Explanation: The *Bergmönch* was originally believed to be a deceased mine supervisor who, after death, sought divine permission to continue overseeing the mines.
How did German miners in the 19th century interpret knocking sounds made by small black men with hammers?
Answer: As an indication of the presence of rich ore veins.
Explanation: German miners in the 19th century interpreted knocking sounds made by small black men with hammers as an indication of rich ore veins, with more knocks signifying richer deposits.
What event did gnomes purportedly cause in the Swiss village of Plurs in 1618?
Answer: A landslide that destroyed the village after its inhabitants became corrupted by wealth.
Explanation: In Swiss folklore, gnomes were said to have caused a landslide that destroyed the village of Plurs in 1618, as a consequence of the villagers becoming corrupted by the wealth from a gold mine the gnomes had created.
What was a key argument of Jacob Grimm's 'Mythologische Schule' regarding mine lore?
Answer: Tales of *Bergmännlein* were derivatives of pagan Germanic mythologies.
Explanation: Jacob Grimm's 'Mythologische Schule' posited that tales of *Bergmännlein* were derivatives of the *Zwerge*/*dvergr* from pagan Germanic mythologies.
The word 'gnome' first appeared in English literature during the 17th century, specifically in the works of Nicolas-Pierre-Henri de Montfaucon de Villars.
Answer: False
Explanation: While De Villars's work was published in French in 1670 (17th century), the English word 'gnome' is attested from the early 18th century, with Alexander Pope's use being a notable example.
Alexander Pope used gnomes in 'The Rape of the Lock' to represent powerful, malevolent spirits who caused misfortune.
Answer: False
Explanation: In 'The Rape of the Lock,' Alexander Pope depicted gnomes as small, celestial creatures who were prudish women in past lives, serving as guardians for other prudish women, not as malevolent spirits.
Nicolas-Pierre-Henri de Montfaucon de Villars described gnomes as guardians of treasures and mines, known for being friendly to men and easily commanded.
Answer: True
Explanation: In *Comte de Gabalis*, De Villars indeed described gnomes as guardians of treasures and mines, characterized by their ingenuity, friendliness towards men, and ease of command.
Modest Mussorgsky's 'Gnomus' movement in *Pictures at an Exhibition* is characterized by a consistent, slow tempo to evoke a gnome's steady movement.
Answer: False
Explanation: Mussorgsky's 'Gnomus' movement is characterized by constantly changing speeds, designed to evoke the erratic movements of a gnome, rather than a consistent, slow tempo.
The *Gnomus* movement in Mussorgsky's *Pictures at an Exhibition* is a slow, contemplative piece designed to evoke a gnome's quiet wisdom.
Answer: False
Explanation: The *Gnomus* movement in Mussorgsky's *Pictures at an Exhibition* is characterized by constantly changing speeds, intended to evoke the erratic movements of a gnome, not a slow, contemplative wisdom.
How did Alexander Pope utilize gnomes in his work 'The Rape of the Lock'?
Answer: As small, celestial creatures who were prudish women in past lives and now guard other prudish women.
Explanation: In 'The Rape of the Lock,' Alexander Pope used gnomes to represent small, celestial creatures who were prudish women in their past lives and now serve as guardians for other prudish women.
In Nicolas-Pierre-Henri de Montfaucon de Villars's *Comte de Gabalis*, what is a characteristic of gnomes?
Answer: They are guardians of treasures and mines, friendly to men, and easily commanded.
Explanation: De Villars described gnomes as guardians of treasures, mines, and precious stones, known for being ingenious, friendly to men, and easily commanded.
What was the theme of Franz Hartmann's 1895 allegorical tale *Unter den Gnomen im Untersberg*?
Answer: A satire of materialism, depicting gnomes guarding gold treasures.
Explanation: Franz Hartmann's 1895 allegorical tale, *Unter den Gnomen im Untersberg*, satirized materialism by depicting gnomes as subterranean creatures guarding gold treasures within the Untersberg mountain.
What is the purpose of the *Gnomus* movement in Modest Mussorgsky's *Pictures at an Exhibition*?
Answer: To evoke the image and erratic movements of a gnome.
Explanation: The *Gnomus* movement in Mussorgsky's *Pictures at an Exhibition* was composed to evoke the image and unpredictable, erratic movements of a gnome through its constantly changing speeds.
By the 20th century, the term 'gnome' in fairy tales had largely become synonymous with other 'little people' like goblins and leprechauns.
Answer: True
Explanation: By the 20th century, the term 'gnome' in fairy tales had indeed broadened its meaning, becoming largely synonymous with other 'little people' such as goblins, brownies, and leprechauns.
In L. Frank Baum's Oz books, the Nomes are depicted as benevolent protectors of the Oz people.
Answer: False
Explanation: In L. Frank Baum's Oz books, the Nomes are portrayed as the main adversaries of the Oz people, characterized as ugly, hot-tempered, and aggressive collectors of jewels.
J. R. R. Tolkien initially named his Noldor Elves 'Gnomes' due to their perceived lack of wisdom and technological skill.
Answer: False
Explanation: Tolkien initially named his Noldor Elves 'Gnomes' to exploit the similarity with the word *gnomic*, meaning wise or sententious, as the Noldor were known for their knowledge and technological prowess.
In C. S. Lewis's *The Chronicles of Narnia*, gnomes, or 'Earthmen,' were enslaved by the Lady of the Green Kirtle.
Answer: True
Explanation: In *The Chronicles of Narnia*, the gnomes, also known as 'Earthmen,' were indeed enslaved by the Lady of the Green Kirtle in the Underland.
In J. K. Rowling's *Harry Potter* series, gnomes are dangerous magical creatures that require powerful spells to eradicate from gardens.
Answer: False
Explanation: In the *Harry Potter* series, gnomes are depicted as relatively harmless, mischievous garden pests with potato-like heads, typically removed by simply throwing them out of the garden.
The *Dungeons & Dragons* role-playing game portrays gnomes as a core playable race, typically larger than dwarves and skilled in combat magic.
Answer: False
Explanation: In *Dungeons & Dragons*, gnomes are characterized as being smaller than dwarves and are often skilled in illusion magic or engineering, rather than being larger or primarily focused on combat magic.
The 'Gnomes of Zurich' is a metaphorical expression that originated in the 1950s to refer to Swiss bankers.
Answer: True
Explanation: The metaphorical expression 'Gnomes of Zurich,' used to refer to Swiss bankers, originated from a 1956 speech and gained widespread use in the 1960s.
A 'WikiGnome' is a Wikipedia user who actively seeks public recognition for their extensive contributions to articles.
Answer: False
Explanation: A 'WikiGnome' is a Wikipedia user who makes useful, incremental edits without seeking attention or recognition for their contributions, often working behind the scenes.
In Terry Brooks's *Shannara* series, gnomes are portrayed as a peaceful and wise race, often serving as advisors to other races.
Answer: False
Explanation: In Terry Brooks's *Shannara* series, gnomes are depicted as a tribal and warlike race, easily swayed to evil causes, rather than peaceful and wise advisors.
Terry Pratchett's *Discworld* gnomes are six inches tall but are known for their surprising physical strength.
Answer: True
Explanation: In Terry Pratchett's *Discworld* series, gnomes are indeed six inches tall but possess considerable physical strength, often surprising those who underestimate them.
How are the Nomes portrayed in L. Frank Baum's Oz books?
Answer: As main adversaries, ugly, hot-tempered, and collectors of jewels.
Explanation: In L. Frank Baum's Oz books, the Nomes are depicted as the main adversaries of the Oz people, characterized by their ugliness, hot temper, and aggressive collection of jewels and precious metals.
Why did J. R. R. Tolkien initially name his Noldor Elves 'Gnomes'?
Answer: To exploit the similarity with the word *gnomic*, meaning wise or sententious.
Explanation: J. R. R. Tolkien initially named his Noldor Elves 'Gnomes' to leverage the association with the word *gnomic*, which means wise or sententious, reflecting the Noldor's reputation for knowledge and skill.
In C. S. Lewis's *The Chronicles of Narnia*, where do the gnomes, or 'Earthmen,' reside?
Answer: In the Underland, a series of caverns.
Explanation: In *The Chronicles of Narnia*, the gnomes, also known as 'Earthmen,' reside in the Underland, a series of caverns.
What is the primary characteristic of gnomes in J. K. Rowling's *Harry Potter* series?
Answer: They are garden pests with potato-like heads, generally harmless but mischievous.
Explanation: In the *Harry Potter* series, gnomes are depicted as small, generally harmless but mischievous garden pests with potato-like heads and stubby bodies.
What is a distinguishing feature of gnomes in the *Dungeons & Dragons* role-playing game?
Answer: They have an affinity for small animals and an interest in gemstones.
Explanation: In *Dungeons & Dragons*, gnomes are characterized by their affinity for small animals and a particular interest in gemstones, alongside their smaller stature compared to dwarves.
What is the lore regarding the origin of gnomes in the *Warcraft* franchise?
Answer: They evolved from mechanical creations into organic lifeforms.
Explanation: In the *Warcraft* franchise, the lore suggests that gnomes originally evolved from mechanical creations into organic lifeforms.
Which of the following artists released a song or album with a gnome theme?
Answer: George Harrison
Explanation: George Harrison released his 1970 album *All Things Must Pass*, which notably features garden gnomes on its cover, among other artists who have incorporated gnome themes in their music.
In Terry Brooks's *Shannara* series, how are gnomes generally characterized?
Answer: As a tribal and warlike race, easily swayed to evil causes.
Explanation: In Terry Brooks's *Shannara* series, gnomes are generally characterized as a tribal and warlike race, often easily swayed to evil causes, as demonstrated by their allegiances to antagonists.
Which animated movie featured gnomish versions of classic Sherlock Holmes characters?
Answer: *Sherlock Gnomes*
Explanation: The 2018 animated movie *Sherlock Gnomes* featured gnomish versions of classic Sherlock Holmes characters, including Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson.
Where are gnome parades held annually?
Answer: Atlanta's Inman Park Festival
Explanation: Gnome parades are held annually at Atlanta's Inman Park Festival, with other one-off parades occurring in various locations.
In A. Yoshinobu's *Sorcerous Stabber Orphen*, what is a key characteristic of gnomes?
Answer: They are a persecuted minority forbidden from learning wizardry.
Explanation: In A. Yoshinobu's *Sorcerous Stabber Orphen*, gnomes are depicted as a persecuted minority, explicitly forbidden from learning wizardry or attending magical schools.
In the *RuneScape* franchise, what notable locations are associated with gnomes?
Answer: The Tree Gnome Village and the Gnome Stronghold.
Explanation: In the *RuneScape* franchise, notable locations associated with gnomes include the Tree Gnome Village and the Gnome Stronghold, which are featured in various quests.
Wil Huygen's books *Gnomes* and *Secrets of the Gnomes* contributed to the 'Disneyfied' image of gnomes as elderly men with white beards and pointed hats.
Answer: True
Explanation: Wil Huygen's popular Dutch books, *Gnomes* and *Secrets of the Gnomes*, significantly shaped the popular, 'Disneyfied' image of gnomes as harmonious elderly men with white beards and pointed hats.
The 1587 silver Thaler coin from the Goslar mint depicts a gnome leading miners to silver ore.
Answer: False
Explanation: The 1587 silver Thaler coin from the Goslar mint depicts a 'wild man,' who was believed to be a supernatural guide for miners, not specifically a gnome.
The modern 'Disneyfied' image of the gnome was influenced by the depiction of the seven dwarves in Disney's 1937 *Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs*.
Answer: True
Explanation: The modern 'Disneyfied' image of the gnome, which became prominent in the 1960s and 1970s, was indeed influenced by the depiction of the seven dwarves in Disney's 1937 film *Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs*.
Earl Young's 'gnome homes' in Charlevoix, Michigan, are characterized by their modern, minimalist architectural style.
Answer: False
Explanation: Earl Young's 'gnome homes' are known for their distinctive stone construction and unique, whimsical, and earthy designs, which are far from modern and minimalist.
What influenced the modern 'Disneyfied' image of the gnome that became prominent in the 1960s and 1970s?
Answer: The depiction of the seven dwarves in Disney's 1937 *Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs*.
Explanation: The modern 'Disneyfied' image of the gnome, which gained prominence in the 1960s and 1970s, was significantly influenced by the depiction of the seven dwarves in Disney's 1937 animated film *Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs*.
What is the connection between garden gnomes and Scandinavian folklore?
Answer: They share a resemblance to the Scandinavian *tomte* and *nisse*.
Explanation: Garden gnomes share a resemblance to the Scandinavian *tomte* and *nisse*, and the Swedish term 'tomte' can even be translated as 'gnome' in English, indicating a cultural overlap.
What architectural style is associated with Earl Young's 'gnome homes' in Charlevoix, Michigan?
Answer: Distinctive stone houses with unique, whimsical, and earthy designs.
Explanation: Earl Young's 'gnome homes' in Charlevoix, Michigan, are known for their distinctive stone construction and unique, whimsical, and earthy architectural designs.
What was the typical stylized appearance of a garden gnome by the late twentieth century?
Answer: An elderly man with a full white beard and a pointed hat.
Explanation: By the late twentieth century, the garden gnome had become stylized as an elderly man with a full white beard and a pointed hat, a widely recognized image.
What is depicted in the image from Olaus Magnus's *Historia de gentibus septentrionalibus* (1555) that modern sources represent as a 'gnome'?
Answer: 'Demons in the mine'.
Explanation: The image from Olaus Magnus's *Historia de gentibus septentrionalibus* (1555) depicts 'Demons in the mine,' although modern sources have retrospectively represented the creature in the woodcut as a 'gnome.'
What was the title of the frontispiece art for Johannes Praetorius's *Anthropodemus Plutonicus* (1666)?
Answer: *Bergmännerlein*, Wights, and Subterraneans
Explanation: The frontispiece art for Johannes Praetorius's *Anthropodemus Plutonicus* (1666) is titled *Bergmännerlein*, Wights, and Subterraneans (*Unter-Irrdische*).
What was the primary role of the 'wild man' depicted on the 1587 silver Thaler coin from the Goslar mint?
Answer: To serve as a supernatural guide leading miners to silver ore.
Explanation: The 'wild man' depicted on the 1587 silver Thaler coin from the Goslar mint was believed to be a supernatural guide who led miners to silver ore.