Tomkey the Forest Gnome
Written by Barbara Szijarto

During a trip to Jasper, Alberta, Canada which is situated in the Rocky Mountains I encountered my first gnome experience!

I arrived at the Marmot Lodge late in the evening around ten o’clock along with others from the office where I work. We were all there for different reasons, however it was noted as being a "firm ski weekend". It was my intention to just relax and enjoy the lodge, pool, and do a bit of hiking. From my home in Edmonton to Jasper it was about a four-hour drive. The bus left at approximately six o’clock in the evening and I had already put in a full day of work. So upon arriving at the lodge I went directly to my room unpacked and then went to bed.

Upon waking I discovered that there was a small young male gnome lying upside down on the pillow next to me. He said, "Good morning" and indicated that he had been waiting for some time for me to awake. He introduced himself as Tomkey and advised me that it was his intention to reveal to me some gnome folklore from the Secret Book. I thought I was dreaming. Tomkey insisted that I, "get moving" because he had a lot to show me and there was so little time.

While dressing he chatted endlessly. I was anxious to write down what he was telling me but I did not have any writing materials at hand, nor did I have a tape recorder. However, I do not know how Tomkey would have taken to being recorded.

Do gnomes have teeth? …the secret is revealed!

Tomkey told me he heard that I was trying to find out if gnomes have teeth. He smiled showing me a beautiful set of large even teeth, then explained that gnomes are fortunate in that they have three sets of teeth. Their infant teeth appear at about one year, much like humans and are snow white. These are replaced by their adult teeth, which are bigger, stronger and more ivory colored. Their third set of teeth replace the adult teeth at about 300 years. These are even bigger than their adult teeth, although they are fewer in number. These teeth are more pearl-like and consist of many layers – much like the inside of a real pearl. They have an iridescent sheen to them. Gnomes with their third set of teeth are respected elders!

It was after this I realized that Tomkey knew more about me than I ever imagined possible. He told me that we would be walking the rail line with a Raven as a guide. While we walked the rail I never felt alone. My two traveling companions were two gnomes. Tomkey introduced me to Tukoah an older Mountain Gnome.

But, I am getting a little ahead of myself here.

Forest Gnomes

While dressing Tomkey explained to me a bit about his direct ancestors, Forest Gnomes. Upon his head he wore the traditional red gnome cap. He explained that Forest Gnomes are wonderful woodcarvers and painters! Each Forest Gnome is presented with a crown when they leave their parents’ home to marry and start their own families. Their crowns are decorated with pine boughs, flowers and gems. They often travel the forest on the backs of squirrels. They love Celtic flute melodies and each male gnome carves his own flute from hardwood. Some older Forest Gnomes have more than one flute as they often inherit these treasured instruments from ancestors. The female Forest Gnome is adept at a stringed instrument similar to a harp and they have wonderful voices. Both males and females wear lots of green and their clothing is often decorated with forest flowers especially those worn for special occasions. Tomkey also wears a blue jacket. He refers to it as his "uniform" however he did not elaborate any further on why he calls it his uniform.

Forest Gnomes enjoy berry wine and below is a painting I have created of Tomkey enjoying a wee bit of spirits!

Tomkey the Forest Gnome

I hope you have enjoyed this exciting adventure and will come back next month to hear more folklore from Tomkey and Tukoah the Mountain Gnome.