Dwarves vs gnomes

[OP1000]

Hello!!!!
Do any of you guys feel like there must be a significant difference between the way that dwarves and gnomes should be portrayed whenever they are written as races in fantasy novels?

 

[NonReal]

No. There are works in which they are vastly different but it's not a big problem if they're not. In how many works elves are simply pretty humans with long ears? Besides it's only outsider perspective that makes you think they're similar. In those few times when authors focus on perspective of dwarves or gnomes they'll be adamant that they're different and offended at the assumption. Which is very realistic.

 

[Corty]

I thought there is one, no? Dwarfs are usually stocky, while gnomes are child-like in build. Also, while dwarfs build good stuff, gnomes are more into wacky inventions and more steampunk than straight-on fantasy.

 

[LilRora]

For me it's a hard yes, at least if we're talking about a world that features both. Even if we ignore the various ways those are portrayed now, there are massive differences in the cultural baggage both from 10-30 years and hundreds of years. Gnomes are generally seen as more magical creatures than dwarves (although not always) and there are legends and fairytales involving them from hundreds of years in the past. Dwarves are a much more recent invention, as they were popularized by western fantasy; although there are some way older sources, they are not well-known and quite similar to how they're seen currently.

Additionally, dwarves are much more commonly associated with a race, unlike gnomes, which are often associated with individuals that do not represent any particular race.

Edit: A funny thing is that what we see today as dwarves and gnomes were often called elves in the past.

Another interesting fact is that, true to legends, the most powerful spirits of earth are often called gnomes (typically with a capital G). That has about as much to do with the common image of a gnome as it has to do with the common image of an elf.

 

[CheertheSecond]

If an author does not have these creatures as the main focus of their story, they usually just make them synonym or mutually exclusive. One novel may have gnome but no dwarf and vice versa.

However, if you aim to build a world that is truly vast, diverse, then you should not be lazy with this.

A lot of writers seem to adopt the way of thinking of bare necessary which means they do not strike for more than mediocre. They cut corner where they could. I wouldn't blame them, they are victims of the false interpretation of "an author can do whatever they want with their story".

 

[TotallyHuman]

Hello!!!!
Do any of you guys feel like there must be a significant difference between the way that dwarves and gnomes should be portrayed whenever they are written as races in fantasy novels?

gnomes are twinky dwarves

 

[Rhaps]

As a person who is obessed with fairies, gnomes are classified as fae creatures, as in they are jolly and high on life, they are basically very short elves, but doesn't have a stick in their ass 24/7.

Like Tenderhuman said, gnomes are the twink version of dwarves just like elves are the twink version of human.

 

[TsumiHokiro]

Hello!!!!
Do any of you guys feel like there must be a significant difference between the way that dwarves and gnomes should be portrayed whenever they are written as races in fantasy novels?

Well... In any one specific universe, you can even make it that all Humans are Dwarves, and all Dwarves are Gnomes. It is up to the rules of that universe what is and what is not.
But if you're asking me if there is a difference between a dwarf and a gnome, I would say: YES!

Dwarves are bigger than Gnomes. Dwarves can grow to be as high as 3/5th the height of an average human, whereas a Gnome would be no more than 1/7. Dwarves have stocky built, Gnomes are usually plumpy. Dwarves usually have a predisposition for manual craft, whereas Gnomes have for the arcane arts. Dwarves lore tell they came from the mountains. Gnomes lore tell they were made of the mud and forest.

Of course, this is all just hear-tell, and there are several types of Dwarves and Gnomes. Do, pray tell, what kind of Gnomes and Dwarves you have in mind when you write. Everyone is entitled to their imagination, and you are the creator of your universe/book.

 

[K5Rakitan]

Gnomes wear tall, pointy hats. Have you ever seen a gnome without a hat? What is under those hats, anyway? Is that where they keep their genitals?

 

[Ilikewaterkusa]

Hello!!!!
Do any of you guys feel like there must be a significant difference between the way that dwarves and gnomes should be portrayed whenever they are written as races in fantasy novels?

gnomes are just like small humans while dwarves are you know small funny alcoholic blacksmiths