On the road, you may have noticed that some motorcyclists hang a small bell under their bike. This little metal bell is part of biker world legends and has been passed down for a long time. Let’s be clear: it is not a reference to the movies of the same name, but its story is worth discovering...
1. What is a Gremlin Bell (or Guardian Bell)?
The Gremlin Bell, also known as the "Guardian Bell" among our friends across the Atlantic, is a small metal bell that motorcyclists usually attach to the lower part of their bike. Beyond its decorative aspect, this bell acts as a good luck charm meant to protect the rider from the malevolent spirits of the road. These spirits, called Gremlins, are responsible for mechanical breakdowns and other troubles encountered along the way. The ringing of the bell has the effect of driving them away, thus ensuring a safer ride.
2. Who are the Gremlins?
Gremlins are imaginary creatures that appeared at the beginning of the 20th century, initially to explain airplane malfunctions, then other machines. The term appeared in the slang of the Royal Air Force (RAF) among British pilots stationed in Malta, the Middle East, and India in the 1920s. The very first known written mention is found in a poem published in the Aeroplane newspaper in Malta on April 10, 1929.
Source: Military History
These mischievous creatures were blamed for sabotaging airplanes, causing unexplained breakdowns. RAF pilots, especially those in high-altitude photographic reconnaissance units, attributed Gremlins to the cause of unexplained accidents during flight. This legend was popularized during World War II, spreading through all military branches and beyond.
Moreover, although the exact origin of the name Gremlin remains uncertain, it likely derives from the Old English gremian, meaning "to vex" or "to tease." Other theories suggest a combination of the word goblin with the name of Fremlin beer, popular within the Royal Air Force in the 1920s.
These Gremlins are thus somewhat like the American cousins of our beloved Breton Korrigans...
3. From military legend to biker legend
The legend of the Gremlins found a special resonance within the US biker community. It should be noted that motorcyclists faced the hazards of the road and the inherent dangers of riding, as well as unexpected incidents on long journeys, quite similar to the RAF’s mechanical troubles. And like RAF pilots, bikers form a brotherly community, so it didn’t take long for this tradition to be passed on.
According to the legend, an old biker returning from Mexico with saddlebags full of toys for children was riding alone on a cold night. On his route, Gremlins ambushed him, causing him to fall. Lying on the ground, the biker began shaking the bells he was carrying, hoping to scare off these harmful beings. The ringing attracted the attention of two young bikers camping nearby. They rushed over, chased away the Gremlins, and saved the old biker. As a sign of gratitude, he gave each of them a bell, explaining that when hung on their bikes, it would protect them from the Gremlins of the road.
4. A popular celebrity
Author Roald Dahl (who wrote Matilda and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, among others) also wrote the book The Gremlins published in 1943. This is no coincidence: before writing, Roald Dahl was... a Royal Air Force pilot.
You may also know the film Gremlins, directed by Joe Dante in 1984. It is actually directly inspired by these creatures and the book, intensifying of course the chaos and destruction!
5. What are the rules to follow with a Gremlin Bell?
One of the main traditions is that the bell should be given by another rider rather than bought for oneself. It is this gesture of friendship and solidarity among motorcyclists that multiplies its power, compared to a bell bought for oneself. If you have a rider around you, now you know what gift to give! By the way, we offer several models of Gremlin Bells in our online esoteric shop.
Regarding the placement of the bell on the bike, it is recommended to attach it to the lowest part of the frame. This position is strategic because Gremlins, these malevolent spirits responsible for mechanical breakdowns, cling to motorcycles from below. Placing the bell there, its constant ringing will repel these harmful entities before they cause problems.
Finally, remove the bell when you sell your bike to preserve its protection and be able to install it on your new ride.
6. Where to buy Gremlin Bells or Guardian Bells?
You can confidently buy the Gremlin Bell on our Aeternum online shop. We offer several stainless steel models, perfectly sized to hang on a motorcycle. You also benefit from shipping within 24 business hours and included purification, all from Brittany!
