What is the difference between a gnome, a troll, and a leprechan?

Question

I saw a question on here that had to do with a gnome. So I looked it up at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gnome I guess they are legendary, mythical creatures that lived near toad stools. They were very small, had pointy hats and long beards. They had to hide from the sun and sunlight could turn them to stone...well, you can read the article if you want...From what I understand gnomes are found in legends and myths of many different cultures.
So whats the difference between a gnome and a troll and/or a leprechaun. Are trolls ugly?
I know that leprechauns are probably found more in fairy tales and legends that are geographically close to Ireland.
I do realize, also, that these creatures are only legends and do not exist in reality. They are like unicorns, etc, etc.

Answer 1

Gnomes: A gnome is a legendary creature characterized by its very small size and subterranean lifestyle.

The word gnome is derived from the New Latin gnomus. It is often claimed to descend from the Greek gnosis, "knowledge", but more likely comes from genomos "earth-dweller".

Often featured in Germanic fairy tales, including those by the Brothers Grimm, the gnome often resembles a gnarled old man living deep underground who guards buried treasure.


Leprechauns: In Irish mythology, a leprechaun (Modern Irish: leipreachán) is a type of male faerie said to inhabit the island of Ireland. They are a class of "faerie folk" associated in Irish mythology and folklore, as with all faeries, with the Tuatha Dé Danann and other quasi-historical races said to have inhabited Ireland before the arrival of the Celts.



Trolls: Are a fearsome member of a mythical anthropomorph race from Scandinavia. Their role ranges from fiendish giants – similar to the ogres of England – to a devious, more human-like folk of the wilderness, living underground in hills, caves or mounds.

Answer 2

A controversial question is one that seeks to start a mini-discussion. There is a valid point there, but with an unusual perspective. Statistics that support many different views are welcomed. The asker often tries to clairify a point that got muddled, and does not insult or attack the people answering. Trolling? A question like, "Everyone KNOWS that women are dumber than men! So why don't they admit it!!!!" would be a perfect example. A person who gives a link to a study of IQ scores that disproves this is roundly ignored while the asker toys with the half-hearted "That's SOOOOO not true!" type of answers, trying to trap them into being forced to agree. Best advice? Don't feed the trolls. Don't get drawn in to answering someone who is not honestly wanting feedback, but is only there to harrass or annoy. Well, Ms. Object has provided another type of trolling a few questions after this one - becoming obsessed with one or two people and asking "questions" for the sole purpose of trying to make those people look bad. Sadly, this only makes the person doing this look nutty and juvenile. (Why is it that I never see ACTUAL juveniles doing that? You, Rio, and other bright young people *never* do that stuff! LOL)

Answer 3

Wikipedia is not the best source.
Gnomes are like Dwarfs but instead of mountains they like forests and more into nature and growing things.
Leprechauns are distant cousins of Gnomes and Dwarfs. They like the outside and collecting gold. They seem to travel more riding the rainbows and love storytelling, their cousins usually prefer to stay in the same area for life. But there are always the individuals who walk a different path.
Trolls turn to stone in the sun/daylight. Rumors have they were actually beautiful but alittle too proud, jealous people cursed them. They usually avoid other races unless provoked or placed under a wicked spell/enchantment. They tend to be peaceful loners. Keep to their own clans.

Answer 4

A leprechaun is a wee jolly and cheeky Irishman, a gnome lives in the garden or forest, and a troll generally under a bridge or in a cave.

All are considered good luck and relatives of faeries.

My compliments.

Answer 5

What Is A Gnome

Answer 6

I can see why you ask, they are so similar. These belong to the world of sprites (goblins, fairies, and elves).

Gnomes (meaning earth-dweller) and leprechauns (meaning half-sized body) are nearly identical in every respect. Both fall under the category of "fairies", both protect their treasure, both are tiny, both live in the ground, neither will reveal their treasure unless forced to, and it is always a losing situation. They dress nearly identical, their description is nearly the same. Nearly always male, with pointed beards, pointed ears, pointed noses, and pointed hats.

The modern view of a gnome is usually that of a friendly tiny old male dwarf. The modern view of a leprechan is slightly different. He is usually seen in leaf green clothes, buckled belt, a caubeen hat (green soldier's hat), and a wooden club called a shillelagh. The ancient view however is identical to that of a gnome. Sometimes both are seen as being friendly, helpful, little elves, and sometimes they are seen as being tricky, evil, little sprites (spirits).

Maybe I should say that the typical leprechan does not have a crock of gold, that this occurs in a story about one particular leprechaun (which looks exactly like a gnome). In modern times, this is just assumed, but originally they just guarded a treasure, just like the gnomes.

A troll (meaning demon) is a type of demon, giant or small. They too live under the earth, in a cave or under hills or mounds, etc. They are supposed to be more human in appearance, but they usually fall under the classification of "fairies" in spite of the fact that they are rather large for fairies (and they are usually stocky). Their features are supposed to be exaggerated (big feet, perhaps big nose, big ears). This can make them very ugly, but sometimes you can't tell them apart from humans. Sometimes they are said to have tails (at least some of the females). In my opinion "goblin" and "troll" are identical, just like "gnome" and "leprechaun".

Fairies, in general, were said to be caught "in-between" the gates of heaven when satan and his angels were thrown out. Not being truly evil, but not being allowed in heaven, they were subject to satan and fall under the classification of demons (or evil spirits, which became the word "sprites"). Therefore they are often evil or very mischievious.

You probably could make a case that they are all the same thing, but from different countries. Gnomes from Greece, trolls from Scandinavia, goblins from Germany (see "kobolds" - haunting spirits) and leprechans from Ireland. All stinky, ugly, little devils living under the earth going around causing trouble and staying hidden as much as possible.

Answer 7

leprechauns do exist the others are only myths a leprechaun rents a room off me and i get a pot of gold every 6 months so there you have it

Answer 8

The good, the bad and the ugly.

Answer 9

About an inch & half. & a pound of hair.