Last Podcast On The Left
Last Podcast On The Left
"Nomes, we've been a little, uh, a little sick, a little twisted lately. So we decided to lighten the mood up before we hit October, because October is going to be an intense month. So today we're going to discuss the wild and wonderful world of gnomes." — Ben Kissel
"The predecessors of our earth gnomes. The moon gnomes. There's really no moon gnomes. This also sounds like a racial slug. I'm not going to lie to you. Are we going racist again here?" — Henry Zebrowski
"The gnomes bind together what works as the force of gravity and make their bodies from this volatile invisible force bodies which are moreover in constant danger of disintegrating." — [Transcribed as speaker discussing Rudolph Steiner's theories]
The episode begins by establishing the shift in tone from previous, darker topics to a lighter exploration of gnome folklore, setting the stage for a deep dive into the subject. The hosts discuss the etymology and varied cultural perceptions of gnomes, noting their prevalence in European mythology and touching upon theories of their origins, including potential associations with historical societal groups or natural phenomena. The conversation frequently veers into speculative and humorous territory, examining physical descriptions, behaviors, and supposed abilities attributed to gnomes, ranging from their interactions with nature to their perceived magical or spiritual roles.
Further into the discussion, the hosts explore more esoteric and philosophical interpretations of gnomes, referencing figures like Rudolph Steiner and his theories connecting gnomes to elemental forces, gravity, and even the creation of the Earth. This segment delves into the concept of gnomes as beings with specific cosmic functions, often linking them to spiritualism and mystical schools of thought, such as those found in Waldorf education. The episode also examines modern urban legends and anecdotal accounts of gnome sightings, including stories of their appearance in unexpected places and their supposed interactions with humans and animals, often blending elements of folklore with perceived paranormal activity.
The latter part of the episode reviews various documented gnome myths, including discussions of their supposed social structures, marriage customs, and territorial behaviors, as well as recounting specific tales of encounters that range from the benign to the potentially disturbing. The hosts contrast historical folklore with contemporary interpretations, considering the psychological and cultural reasons behind the enduring fascination with these small, often hidden beings, and conclude by acknowledging the vast and often contradictory nature of gnome lore.