A legendary creature first described by the Swiss physician Paracelsus in the 16th century as the earth elemental. They are typically said to be a small, humanoid creature (resembling a tiny old man) that lives underground and hordes treasure, and are commonly drawn wearing a pointed hat. A statue of one used as a lawn ornament is known as a garden gnome. Due to living underground, they are often used as an earth elemental in fantasy works, particularly in Japanese video games.