Gnomes are small mythological creatures of European origins. They can be found all over the world and make their homes in wooded areas, forests, hilly landscapes, underground, and, occasionally, in modest dwellings in small cities and towns.

Of course, where a gnome life depends more on the geographical location in which he’s found. So, if you’ve been wondering where a specific type of gnome lives, you’re in luck – we’re about to go in-depth on the question.

What Are Gnomes?

Gnomes, as we mentioned above, are small creatures of the mythological variety. They are often humanoid in appearance and are known for their playful sense of humor, engineering abilities, and inquisitiveness.

 In folk tales, they are sometimes referred to as “Forgotten Folk” thanks to the fact that they have largely been forgotten about by humans within the past 100 years.

It’s also been said that this name comes from the absence of magic that many gnomes have, in comparison to other creatures who have been gifted with fantastical abilities.

Where The Different Types Of Gnomes Live

To answer the question effectively, we have to delve into the various types of gnomes as each one has slightly different preferences when it comes to the area that they call home.

Forest Gnomes

Forest gnomes are by far the shiest type of gnome. Due to this, they are rarely seen and instead, are “stumbled upon”. As their name suggests, this species of gnome primarily lives in the forest.

They can be found in lush green forests around the world including those in North America, Europe, and Asia. When it comes to making their homes, they tend to burrow underground, living in dugouts. Or they take up residence inside of hollow tree trunks where they can be hidden and safe.

Garden Gnomes

Less shy than their forest-dwelling cousins, garden gnomes are the species that are most likely to be seen in your backyard. They can be found worldwide in backyard gardens; if there is a successful garden, chances are that there’s a gnome or two around.

These gnomes take pride in helping plants grow and caring for the earth. When they’re tired at the end of a long day, they retreat into burrows, old birdhouses, or beneath the garden shed.

Many would argue that despite their shy nature, these gnomes are pranksters who enjoy relocating garden plants and striking lewd poses on the lawn when neighbors are looking.

Dune Gnomes

Dune gnomes are slightly larger than both the forest and the garden gnome, which is the smallest. They are sometimes also called “beach gnomes” as they have an affinity for sandy areas like beaches and lakeshores.

This being said, they are most common in warmer areas of the world such as the Southern United States, Mexico, Australia, and Asia.

They spend most of their time combing the beach for treasure and searching for food, which is primarily small bugs and fresh greens. These gnomes tend to shy away from people but can be seen as a sudden blur from the side of one’s eye.

Their dwellings are dugouts within the sand and inside of caves along with the sandy areas where they spend their time.

House Gnomes

House gnomes are considered to be good luck. They are slender and quiet and are known for helping around the house without the owner of the house realizing they are there.

There have been reports of gnomes babysitting children and comforting dogs who are scared of thunder.

They can be found in countries across the globe, ranging from Africa to Canada and everywhere in between.

Traditionally, these helpful gnomes live in basements, under the floorboards of houses, in sheds, and, in rural areas, in the rafters of barns where they can spend their time caring for livestock that lives there.

Alternatively, they might be found in holes, cracks, and crevices that appear in old homes throughout years of being lived in.

Farm Gnomes

There’s a slight crossover between farm and house gnomes. Like house gnomes, farm gnomes are found in barns but are much quicker and have a strong work ethic. They love to help around the farm, caring for livestock, gardening, and helping with daily chores.

They live in the rafters of barns, in hollows in the ground, under the floorboards of barns, and sometimes even in the outskirts of any nearby forests.

Siberian Gnomes

Siberian gnomes are known for interbreeding with trolls, which can give them a shocking, troll-like appearance. They are one of the bigger troll species and come with a nasty attitude – one that has them delighting in revenge.

They live in the coldest areas of the world, namely Siberia and Antarctica. There’s not a lot of information known about these gnomes, as they’re not often stumbled across or spotted.

Underground Gnomes

Although all gnomes can and often do burrow, underground gnomes live exclusively beneath the dirt. They only venture out when it’s necessary and, when they do, they’re often covered in a layer of dirt.

Underground gnomes are not fond of humans try to avoid them when they can. You’ll likely never see an underground gnome but there is evidence that these anti-social beings live in intricate tunnel systems beneath the ground.

Rock Gnomes

Rock gnomes are few and far between. They spend most of their time in craggy cliffs and rock bluffs, as well as inside caves. Very little is known about them.

Arcane Gnomes

Arcane gnomes are, for a better lack of words, the odd gnome out.

Instead of spending their time with nature, they prefer to spend their days in towns and small cities where their industrious nature helps them blend in with the hustle and bustle.

Arcane gnomes can be found in abandoned alleys, hiding in empty buildings, or taking up residence in the nooks and crannies of street-side shops.

Gnomes, as you can see, live everywhere and anywhere. No continent doesn’t have some sort of gnome and no residence that is completely safe from their presence.

Regardless, gnomes are nothing to be scared of and, if you see one, you should count yourself lucky.

Also Read: What Do Gnomes Do At Night?