For Episode #32 show we welcome Wilmar Taal to discuss, The Gnome Manuscript and its creator, J.H.W. Eldermans.

The Gnome Manuscript is a part of a set of three books including, The Gnome Grimoire and The Gnome Compendium, the later two being due for publication with Troy Books. All three are based on the works of J.H.W. Eldermans concerning gnomes.

The original source manuscript is lost but a copy is held in the Museum of witchcraft and magic at Boscastle. The artwork in the manuscript is remarkable, some of which you can see in the YouTube version of the podcast. It’s worth having a look to get a sense of the complexity of this work.

We discuss the elusive and complicated figure that is Eldermans. We discuss the importance of stories, place and community in our lives.

In relation to Gnomes Wilmar proposes the areas most associated with Gnome mythology were previously lands of Celtic tribes and a residual belief of those people. Wilmar also reveals an unexpected possible origin myth of the Gnomes. Witte Wieven, also make an appearance. Translated the White woman who have almost identical mythology to the Banshee and Wilmar warns that if you see a Witte Wieven you have to run, they are not friendly.

In the Plus show we further discuss what was Eldermans trying to achieve with the book and the stories about his engagement with local people regarding the Gnomes and a secret grimoire Eldermans penned covering a remarkable range of occult subjects, hinting at an ambition of producing a larger body of work of which the Gnome manuscript was a part. Wilmar goes on to discuss the sexual component to Eldermans work and what his view of magick was and what was needed to practice it. We also go through a story around Eldermans connections with Occult groups. If that sounds like it floats your boat join the Patreon and you'll get access to all previous Plus shows and much more.

Show notes:

www.troybooks.co.uk/the-silent-listener
www.troybooks.co.uk/the-gnome-manuscript
www.facebook.com/wilmarbjtaal

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Music by Obliqka

114 | Are You Stubborn Enough