Goblin

A goblin is a legendary evil or mischievous illiterate creature, described as a grotesquely evil or evil-like . They are attributed with various (sometimes conflicting) abilities, temperaments and appearances depending on the story and country of origin. In some cases, goblins have been classified as constantly annoying little creatures somewhat related to the brownie and gnome. They are usually depicted as small, sometimes only a few inches tall, sometimes the size of a dwarf. They also often are said to possess various magical abilities.

Name

Alternative spellings include gobblin, gobeline, gobling, goblyn.

Hiisi, folletto, duende, tengu, Menninkäinen and kallikantzaroi are often translated into English as 'goblins'. The Erlking and Billy Blind are sometimes called goblins. 'Goblin' is often used as a general term to mean any small mischievous being.

Origins in Hinduism

Origins in folklore

In "The Goblin Field" (Moldova), Goblins were described as 2-3 feet tall, thin and brown. Most were bald and "if there were females among the group they could not be distinguished from the males". They seemed to exist in two realms, one physical and one spirit. They were fiercely loyal and allied with particular sorcerer or witch tribes, whom they protected and served as an equally allied tribe rather than servants or slaves. "This perception might seem a bit strange to any not accustomed to the goblin outlook" because the goblins often did what might be considered slave work for very little in return. They could be called by an allied individual or group, summoned by spell, or called to bargain at particular places by individuals or groups not known to them. Because of their power they were much sought after, but because of the corruption of mankind, rarely found. Crossing them was a thing to avoid as they had refined a grudge to a fine art. They could be fierce and mind-numbingly frightening, and only the hardiest of souls were sent to strike a bargain with them. However they had a side which few ever saw, which was their great love for those who were able to create an understanding and friendship with them. At the passing of such a person, they would treat the body with proper respect and then quietly weep.

The Benevolent Goblin, from Gesta Romanorum (England)

Goblin-related place names

Early fiction

Modern fiction and popular culture

Goblins are portrayed as roughly half the size of adult humans as non-player characters in the tabletop role-playing game Dungeons & Dragons, which influenced most later depictions including the online games Tibia, RuneScape and World of Warcraft (they become a playable race in the WoW expansion ). In the 1980s Goblins were depicted as a separate race subservient to the Orcs in the Games Workshop tabletop game Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay. Games Workshop also popularized the depiction of goblins with bright green skin. Warcraft adopted both of these concepts from Warhammer. The Warcraft goblins are very technologically advanced. Goblins are also present as the first tier creature in the Orc faction in .

Many other works also continue the folkloric presentation of goblins as diminutive, as in the 1986 film Labyrinth, the Harry Potter books and film series, and the film Legend.

Despite its title, goblins are featured as the main villains in the cult film Troll 2.

The Complete Encyclopedia of Elves, Goblins, and Other Little Creatures depicts them as originating in the British Isles, from whence they spread by ship to all of Continental Europe. They have no homes, being wanderers, dwelling temporarily in mossy cracks in rocks and tree roots.

In Enid Blyton's Noddy children's books and adaptations, there are two goblins named Sly and Gobbo, who are often very mischievous.

There are many (human) villains in the Spider-Man franchise whose names include "goblin", and who use a goblin motif, such as several incarnations of the Green Goblin as well as Hobgoblin and Demogoblin.

In , the goblins appear as greenskinned creatures, a little shorter than humans, carrying iron weapons and sometimes lockpicks. They are seen as "dirty little beasts", as one character refers to them. Usually, goblins can be found in sewers or abandoned houses and forts.

Eoin Colfer's Artemis Fowl depicts goblins as having close ancestry with lizards, which would explain their lidless eyes (and their need to lick them as they can dry up), forked tongue and scaly skin. The goblins in the series are dull-witted and have a non-magical ability to conjure fireballs.

In The Spiderwick Chronicles, goblins are portrayed as small, grotesque toadlike creatures who are born without teeth and so use broken glass and rocks to replace them. They have a chaotic behaviour and will only behave orderly if ordered so by a more powerful villain, such as the ogre called Mulgarath.

See also

References

Further reading

Category:European legendary creatures Category:Mythic humanoids