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What's a Gonk?

2022-11-28

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Gonks are adorable, cute, quirky little creatures that have become a popular home décor item, especially at Christmas, and we love them! They are one of the country’s favourite quirky Christmas decorations, but where did they come from?

Gonks are inspired by the gnomes and hobgoblins found in Scandinavian and Nordic mythology, and are often thought to be a Nordic version of Santa Claus. These creatures are mischievous domestic spirits. Scandinavians believe that they’re responsible for the welfare and protection of a home or farmstead and it's buildings.

If a gonk is cared for and likes the family they chose to live with, they will protect the family and their land, bringing good luck and happiness to the home. However, if the gonk's home is disturbed they can become mischievous, playing cheeky tricks on their humans.

So how do gonks differ from gnomes, trolls and other little creatures?

Gonks are stout little fellows with long, bushy beards that cover most of their face, and with a pointed hat pulled over their eyes, all that’s left to see of a gonk’s face is a sweet button nose. They are often dressed in warming and festive coats, and sometimes like to show off their funny striped socks.

Of course, you won't only see a gonk at Christmas. They also appear at Easter and Halloween and have been increasingly seen in homes throughout the year...

They might otherwise be known as a tomte. This is a mythological creature from Nordic folklore today typically associated with the Christmas season. They are described as being short, having a long white beard, and wearing a conical or knit cap in gray, red or another bright colour.

Traditionally, a gnome is a small supernatural spirit which lives on earth and are kept in gardens for good luck. Sometimes they are referred to as being especially inventive or cunning. Most are quite rotund in appearance, with a large hat and long beard.

Trolls are the common name for the little dolls with colourful hair that graced toy boxes across the world. The name can also be used for supernatural creatures who are either very big or very small, ugly, and not very nice. You are most likely to read about a troll in a fairy-tale.