In this episode of Believing the Bizarre, we dive deep into the mysterious world of gnomes - those diminutive creatures that might be hiding in plain sight as innocent lawn ornaments. We explore the fascinating history behind these legendary beings, tracing their origins from ancient Roman garden statues of fertility gods to the Swiss alchemist Paracelsus, who classified them as earth elementals. Along the way, we uncover the surprising connection between modern garden gnomes and actual hermits that wealthy landowners once hired to live in their yards, complete with pointed hats and robes, serving wine and dispensing wisdom to visitors. Get 60% off Magic Mind here with our link and code: https://magicmind.com/bizarreEDU & BIZARRE60#magicmind #mentalperformance We share three compelling modern Reddit encounters, including a mushroom hunter's shocking discovery in a national forest and mysterious kitchen disturbances that reveal more than expected. We also visit a disturbing historical newspaper account from 1895 Cincinnati involving two Massachusetts families and their traumatic encounters with malevolent gnomes during thunderstorms. Patreon: Support Believing the Bizarre and get tons of extra content by joining our Patreon.For updates, news, and extra content, follow Believing the Bizarre on social media:InstagramFacebookTwitterDiscordShop Merch: You can rep Believing the Bizarre and buy some unique merchWant to send BTB something? Ship it here: 3570 Executive Drive, Suite 218, Uniontown, Ohio 44685 Episode keywords: gnomes, folklore, mythological creatures, fae beings, earth elementals, garden gnomes, Paracelsus, Renaissance magic, alchemy, Roman gods, Priapus, fertility gods, hermits, Scandinavian folklore, household spirits, red caps, blood-soaked hats, cryptids, forest encounters, Reddit stories, paranormal encounters, mining spirits, Bergmännlein, underground creatures, supernatural beings Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices