Big Ears is a wise, bearded gnome who lives in a toadstool house outside Toyland and is Noddy's helper and father figure, as well as his best friend. He finds Noddy and brings him to Toyland at the start of the first book. Big Ears, while usually kind to Noddy, can be very fierce and is both feared and respected by goblins, wizards, and even Mr. Plod. Whenever Noddy is being mistreated, he invariably comes to his defense. Big Ears also has the power to cast magic spells, though he rarely uses it.