Father Christmas Letters: 1932

[Guinevere]

Originally Posted by Estelyn Telcontar

There are several new mythological characters in this letter - the old Cave Bear, goblins, and Red Gnomes - considering Tolkien's early name for Elves, I assume that they are Elven in nature. They are said to be at home in Norway!

The Red Gnomes look very much like Norwegian "nisser" a sort of brownie (Heinzelmännchen). They are small and have always red caps, they are believed to to take care of a farmer's home and children and protect them from misfortune, in particular at night, when the housefolk were asleep. If they are not well treated, they play pranks or leave the farm. ( btw,"Santa Claus" is called "Julenisse" in Norway !)

Originally Posted by Estelyn Telcontar

Oh, and there is another mention of his green brother, who gave him a pair of green trousers - helpful against the goblins, who are said to dislike green. Any idea why?

Perhaps because the colour green is somehow associated with fairies (and Elves)? (if I remember rightly, Frodo was given new garments in green cloth in Rivendell. The "Elven stone" that Glorfindel left on the bridge and Aragorn found, was green. The Elessar is green as well! (and did you read the link I gave about "green father Christmas"?)