Where did gnomes come from? In all the centuries of gnome mythology, nature is a common thread. Gnomes are considered earthly creatures, and their history as garden ornaments reflects this.

Gnomes are whimsical characters with roots dating back to Roman mythology. They’ve appeared in numerous European folklore stories, most notably those from Germany, Scandinavian nations and the UK.

Gnomes, despite their luxuriant and Santa-esque facial hair, were not a part of the standard yuletide lineup; ... they are rooted in German mythology, ...

The gnome first popped up in the early 1900s and eventually was phased out sometime in the ’80s, Rouch says. But Dr Pepper brought him back in 2002, the company says.