03.03.24 Ornamental Hermitage
The Ornamental Hermit is literally my dream job... And I think, based on the conversations I have with friends while they are here, the feeling evoked here at Liten Hobbit Stuga is right on Ornamental Hermit point.
In the 18th and 19th centuries, ornamental hermits were a curious and whimsical addition to the grand gardens of wealthy landowners. But what did they DO, I wondered... Was it just some old scurvy goat dude creeping around the Victorian gardens, popping out to say "HEJ!" to the guests?
Well, sort of... here’s what their job entailed:
Role and Purpose:
Ornamental hermits were hired individuals whose primary function was to inhabit small, purpose-built structures within elaborate gardens. They served as living garden ornaments, adding an air of mystery and eccentricity to the landscape.
Appearance and Lifestyle:
The hermit’s appearance was carefully curated:
They wore goat’s hair robes. Their hair, nails, and beard were left untrimmed (yeesh)... They were silently contemplative, rarely speaking to anyone (I have that part down)... Some hermits were even asked to make themselves available to guests, answering questions and providing counsel.
Hermitages and Follies:
Hermitages were small, secluded structures—often resembling caves or rustic huts—where the hermits resided. These structures were strategically placed within the gardens, creating an aura of solitude and mystique. The hermit’s presence was meant to evoke a sense of withdrawal from the world and encourage reflection (this is the coolest part of the job).
Entertainment and Prestige:
Employing an ornamental hermit was a status symbol for landowners. BEHOLD! I AM WEALTHY! SEE MY ORNAMENTAL HERMITS in their natural habitats! In return for their role, hermits received a stipend, food, and board. Guests could observe them from a distance or occasionally interact with them, depending on the landowner’s instructions. (Please bring your opera glasses if you wish to observe me in the upper meadow.)
Decline in Popularity:
As landscaping concepts evolved, the novelty of ornamental hermits waned. Industrialization and changing tastes shifted the focus away from contemplative garden features. By the 1830s, the idea of employing hermits had become less popular. I find this wholly unacceptable and will be unionizing the Ornamental Hermits in order to gain appropriate optics and market share, and to reup our contracts with wealthy land owners. If you are a wealthy land owner and have lost your Ornamental Hermit and wish to be proactive in retaining one, please contact me directly.
So, if you can imagine strolling through a lush garden, encountering a silent hermit in their rustic abode—a living curiosity amidst the beauty of nature, you can imagine what it is like to encounter me in my bathrobe amongst the dogs and deer, wilding in the yard! Do you want to have an Ornamental Hermit?