Who is the Gnomean Elder?
Hello, fellow Gnomeans and curious wanderers!
I’m Brett Larsen, and I’m thrilled to welcome you to the Church of Gnome community. As the founder and first Gnomean Elder, my role is one of service rather than command—a guide and steward rather than a dictator of truth. I believe every person’s journey is both unique and worth celebrating, and I’m here to help create a space where we can learn from one another, connect on a deeper level, and ultimately “live like gnomes” together.
A Little Bit About Me
I grew up in Marysville, Washington, and I’ve spent much of my life exploring the natural beauty of this region—countless hikes up Mount Pilchuck, wandering through lush forests, and generally soaking in the outdoors. Nature has always spoken to me on a profound level, and that deep reverence for the Earth is one of the biggest reasons I started the Church of Gnome. I’m also a family man, happily married with two children and a wonderful dog named Phantom (who is the co-leader and Grand Paw of the Church of Gnome).
My connection to the mysterious and the unexplained runs just as deep as my love for nature. From as far back as I can remember, I’ve been fascinated by extraterrestrial and paranormal phenomena. Over the years, I’ve personally witnessed things that have convinced me there’s far more going on in this world than meets the eye. That thirst for the unexplained eventually shaped many facets of my life, including my music.
The Journey to “Gnomean Elder”
Long before the Church of Gnome was even a twinkle in my eye, I launched something called the “Kingdom of Gnome” in April 2011. It was a quirky little Micronation sparked by my (equally quirky) gnome collection, complete with grand aspirations—like reaching out to the United Nations and NASA!
As I went through college, I took theology and religion classes that opened my mind to the incredible variety of beliefs across the globe. I soaked up every bit of knowledge I could about spirituality, philosophy, consciousness, and the paranormal—anything that would help me understand this wonderfully weird universe we live in.
Fast forward to 2020, when I found my late grandfather’s wood-whittling kit and reignited my gnome obsession. Suddenly, the Kingdom of Gnome was alive again, and hundreds of people signed up to become citizens. But as the community grew, I realized there was more potential here than just a fun little hobby—there was a genuine opportunity to bring people together around principles of inclusivity, curiosity, and respect for all beings.
That spark of an idea evolved into what we now call the Church of Gnome. And while it started in jest—simply imagining a religion based on gnome hats and garden statues—it became so much more. I realized I could fuse my love for nature, community service, and plain old weirdness into something beautiful and meaningful.
My Musical Side: Inquire Within & Gnome King
Beyond my adventures in gnome realms, I’m also the driving force behind Inquire Within, which started as a three-piece band but eventually became my solo project. It’s more than just music; it’s a vehicle for exploring and sharing knowledge about UFOs, paranormal phenomena, and all the otherworldly experiences that have shaped my life.
Our first album, Universe In My Head (2017), was a massive global collaboration featuring musicians from all over the world (including members of MEGADETH, The Devin Townsend Project, and more). The proceeds from this album and subsequent releases allowed me to donate funds to plant over 13,000 trees in Africa, partnering with Trees For The Future.
In 2018, I performed at SOULTECH (a UFO Conference) at the ECETI Ranch, unveiling Samvartaka Fire as a solo EP.
In 2020, I released Meditation For The Devil, an experimental, cinematic album that explored inner struggles and personal growth.
Currently, I’m working on a new full-length project, Alien Elite: Perception Warfare, blending rock, death metal, and acoustic elements into a huge, cinematic soundscape.
Alongside Inquire Within, I launched a side project called “Gnome King” in 2024. It began as a funny rap track sparked by a random TikTok trend about a “gnome vs. knights” war—given that I’m not a rapper at all, I thought it would be hilarious to make a song about gnomes destroying knights! But the project evolved; I decided to take the music itself more seriously, experimenting with genres like acoustic folk and electronic dance while keeping the lyrics whimsical and all about gnomes. Several “Gnome King” songs are out now, celebrating the lighter, quirkier side of my musical imagination.
Cryptids of the USA: A # 1 Seller
Outside of music, I’ve also ventured into the world of writing. In October 2023, I launched my book, Cryptids of the USA, an in-depth, state-by-state exploration of mysterious creatures reported across America. I’m honored to share that it went to # 1 in its category on Amazon shortly after release! This work blends folklore, legends, and expert theories with detailed images and descriptions of cryptids ranging from the Sasquatch of the Pacific Northwest to the Jersey Devil of the Northeast.
Extraterrestrial Adventures & A Memorable Proposal
My passion for the unknown led me to CE5 events—group meditations intended to make peaceful contact with extraterrestrial intelligence. One of the most memorable moments of my life happened at Mount Adams in Washington, where I was invited to be part of a UFO documentary. Under the stars, surrounded by friends and fellow CE5 participants, I proposed to my wife. We even witnessed UFO sightings right there, making it a truly cosmic experience!
These surreal encounters are a big part of why I believe so strongly that there’s more to this world (and beyond) than what we can see. It’s also why I’m so passionate about fostering curiosity and open-minded conversation within the Church of Gnome.
Living Like Gnomes
What does that mean? Well, to me, it’s about living in harmony with nature, embracing wonder, and working together to make the world a better place. We’ve set out on various community-focused missions and charitable initiatives. Although my tree-planting efforts originated with my Inquire Within music releases, I aim to bring that same spirit of giving and environmental care to the Church of Gnome in the days ahead.
So, whether you’re here because you’re curious about gnomes, drawn to the paranormal, looking for a spiritual community, or simply want a place where you can be yourself, welcome. My hope is that the Church of Gnome can be a sanctuary of understanding and discovery for all.
Your Turn
I’d love to get to know each and every one of you! Please introduce yourself, share your stories, your passions, the beliefs that keep you up at night, or even your funniest gnome memes. After all, this is a community—a safe haven for exploring life’s many wonders (and weirdness) together.
Thank you for reading my introduction and for being part of this incredible journey. I can’t wait to connect, learn, and, most importantly, “Live Like Gnomes” with all of you!
With gratitude and Gnome Blessings, Brett Larsen, Gnomean Elder
