By Richard, KB5JBV — June 15, 2020 • Category: About Us
About Gnorman
By Richard, KB5JBV — June 15, 2020
Gnorman Untersberg Frodrick Von Gnome is our resident mascot, occasional curmudgeon, and friend of the Resonant Frequency amateur-radio community. He’s private by nature, but here’s what we’ve learned over the centuries.
At a glance
- Born in Midgard (Second Age); former tinsmith
- Lived under Untersberg Mountain (Berchtesgaden/Salzburg), guarding a treasure vault
- Wandered North America and England c.1900; advised a few curious authors
- Post-WWII: worked in French horticulture (a lot of standing around in yards)
- Fled the Gnome Liberation Front in the 1990s
- Moved to Texas in 2006; fell for amateur radio and Resonant Frequency
- Today: back with us in Terrell, Texas, wiser and still a little grumpy
Origins
Gnorman was born in Midgard during the Second Age, where he honed his craft as a tinsmith. After a very long time negotiating with fairies, goblins, and brownies, he set out in search of quiet.
The Untersberg years
He settled beneath Untersberg Mountain on the border of Germany and Austria. “That was a really posh gig. I’m sorry I left it,” he says of his treasure-vault-watching days.
A turn-of-the-century traveler
Around 1900 he crossed to North America and later England, where a couple of well-known authors peppered him with questions about gnome life. Names withheld to protect the inquisitive.
The garden era
After World War II, Gnorman moved to France and joined the horticultural trade. “Not a bad job—lots of standing around. The language sounded like mush, worse after the wine,” he admits.
Liberation and relocation
In the late 1990s, the rise of the Gnome Liberation Front sent many of his cousins wandering. Gnorman chose Texas in 2006, where we met at a garden party.
Amateur radio & the podcast
When he heard about amateur radio (I’m KB5JBV) and our plan to Elmer newcomers via a podcast, he was all in. He became part of Resonant Frequency (and popped up on Linux in the Ham Shack), helping shape the site and show.
The dip…and the comeback
When Resonant Frequency went into reruns in 2011, the fame faded. After a detour with a rough crowd of garden pests (those dandelions…), he did the work, entered rehab, and returned.
Today
We’ve got the band back together. Gnorman is home in Terrell, Texas, back on duty and back to enjoying the comforts he’s earned. Welcome back, Gnorman—we missed you.
FAQ
Who is Gnorman?
Our long-running Resonant Frequency mascot—a fictional gnome with a real passion for amateur radio and mentoring new hams.
Where is Gnorman from?
Originally Midgard, later the Untersberg region (Germany/Austria), with chapters in North America, England, France, and now Texas.
What does Gnorman do on the podcast?
He’s our tongue-in-cheek “brains behind the site,” helping introduce topics, lighten the mood, and keep newcomers engaged.
Is Gnorman active today?
Yes. As of 2020 he’s back in Terrell, TX and part of the team again.