A narrator investigates a legendary mountain and descends into its caves and grottoes to encounter elemental spirits—gnomes, fairies, and other subterranean beings—and to witness their hidden palaces, rituals, and treasures. The narrative follows episodic adventures through caverns, a dragon’s den, marble halls and a temple of Lucifer, including conflicts and efforts to bring light and education to the gnome-kingdom. Interwoven reflections consider the waning of visible contact between humans and nature-spirits, the misapplication of occult aid, and the moral consequences of sceptical, self-satisfied modern culture.