Barbegazi are a type of gnome from Swiss and French folklore, they resided in the mountainous regions between France and Switzerland; the Alps. Their habitats are said to be networks of caves and tunnels accessible near the peaks of mountains through concealed entrances.
The name is probably a corruption of barbes glacées meaning "frozen beards".
Description
Preferring the tops of the mountains, the barbegazi resembled the typical gnome except for their large feet and the fact that their hair and beards resembled thick growths of icicles. In cases where the icicle growths have melted, it reveals normal hair underneath. Their big feet have also been seen to act as skis or snowshoes, allowing unhindered travel over the snowy mountains. Accounts have said they are covered in white fur like a modern jumpsuit.
They thrive only in the coldest of weather provided by mountain tops, hibernating in Summer and becoming active in Winter during blizzard season. It is believed by many that they enjoy riding avalanches. Should they be buried in the snow, they have demonstrated that they are swift at digging. A barbegazi can bury themselves in thick snow in a few seconds or dig themselves out no matter the depth.
The most well known activity of the barbegazi is the warnings they give to humans of hazards. They can make whistling noises like marmots or an eerie hooting noise, which may be mistaken for gusts of wind, to warn hikers of avalanches. They may also attempt to dig out people trapped by snowfall or herd lost sheep back to their owners. Despite these beneficial activities their attitudes towards humans are still uncertain.
Sightings
No sightings have been recorded when the temperature was above zero. Nor have any sightings taken place below the tree line. Mountaineers were said to have captured more than one of these creatures on their ventures but none survived for more than a few hours when taken out of their climate.
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