What is a Gnome?

Gnome (folklore)

A Gnome is an imaginary being of medieval folklore, usually represented as a bearded, misshapen dwarf. The gnomes are first mentioned by early writers on alchemy, who describe them as an order of subterranean beings supposed to guard treasures and mines. The kobold of German folklore and the unseen knocker who was supposed to haunt English mines are counterparts of the gnome.