Among the gnomes : $b An occult tale of adventure in the Untersberg

"Among the Gnomes: An Occult Tale of Adventure in the Untersberg" by Franz Hartmann is an adventurous fantasy where a knight, Burkhart von Tollenstein, fueled by a craving for wealth and the love of Julia von Horst, ventures into the mystical Untersberg mountain in search of gnomish treasure, thereby initiating a series of dangerous and transformative events. The narrative begins by immersing readers in the captivating yet perilous mythology of the Untersberg, presenting it as a domain brimming with both helpful and harmful spirits. Burkhart's story revolves around his intense affection for Julia, whose materialistic wishes push him to steal gold from the gnomes, believing it will win her over. He then makes a deal with Pypo, the gnome king, exchanging his hair for gold, a decision that ultimately leads him down a path of sorrow and foolishness as he discovers that love cannot be bought with riches. The novel also introduces those who doubt the existence of gnomes who decide to disprove the supernatural elements to the story, highlighting the clash between materialistic and magical interpretations of the world, and emphasizing the tale's themes of mysticism, morality, and the supernatural.