Talk:Gnome/@comment-30061283-20161223082759/@comment-29602226-20161224191014

They are based on Paracelsus's elementals. They aren't part of mythology and folklore proper, but a fabrication of Paracelsus, taking inspiration on Kobolds, Dvengars, Knockers and similar creatures from folkore.

The name "Gnome" later made the jump to folklore and fairytales, and they were changed from Earth Elementals to Small Fairy Folk.