Goblin

Goblin is a term used for a type of small supernatural being that appears in European folklore, particularly in English and French traditions. Most of these stories describe a small creature with an ugly appearance, typically living in caves, mines, under hills, or near human dwellings. The goblin has no single standard form; its characteristics vary from one region to another.

Goblins are generally portrayed as mischievous creatures: they steal, they cause damage, and they cause minor trouble to people, though some stories do not present them as seriously dangerous. The word appears in English writings from the Middle Ages onward and is linked to late Latin terms such as 'gobelinus' and to German folklore terms concerning house spirits.

Appearance and characteristics

As described in stories, goblins are shorter than ordinary humans, with green, gray, or brown skin, and pointed ears. Some stories say they are harmed by sunlight, which is why they come out at night. Many of these features come from artwork and illustrations from the 19th and 20th centuries, not from earlier folklore.

Related creatures

European folklore contains other creatures similar to or connected with goblins, such as the hobgoblin (a household spirit that sometimes helps people), the kobold (German), and the brownie (Scottish). The boundaries between these types are not sharp; different writers classify them differently.

Modern use

In the 20th century, goblins became prominent characters in fantasy literature, tabletop games such as Dungeons & Dragons, and video games. There they are typically portrayed as small creatures that attack in groups and are usually weaker than orcs. This depiction is modern and differs from the original folklore.