Goblin
Goblins, found in European folklore, are mischievous, small, green humanoids. They revel in creating chaos, sabotaging human endeavors when least expected.
At a glance
- Tradition
- European folklore (general)
- Region
- Europe (place of origin)Underground Caves and Mines (unspecified) (habitat)
- Trait family
- The Justice Beasts
Near this figure
and 6 more
Traits
Read from the figure's description, which a model wrote. Open "why" for the sentence a trait came from.
Behaviour
- Trickster outwits larger foes
why
Known for their love of chaos and trickery, goblins take great delight in sabotaging human endeavors.
- Treasure guardian
why
These subterranean lairs are said to be filled with stolen trinkets and treasures, reflecting the goblins' magpie-like attraction to shiny objects.
- Confuses travelers into losing their way
why
Their pranks range from the mildly annoying, such as hiding tools or souring milk, to the potentially dangerous, like tampering with machinery or luring travelers astray.
Sight and sound
- Glowing red eyes
why
Their eyes, usually depicted as beady and glowing, are said to reflect their clever and often malicious nature.
Utility powers
- Stealth movement
why
They are masters of stealth, able to slip unnoticed into homes, farms, and workshops to wreak havoc.
Roles
Judged from the works' own entries, not from the description. Carries: the figure holds the role. Meets: the role is in its stories, held by something it meets.
- Shadow carries both readings
4 citations
- E. A. Wallis Budge, The Gods of the Egyptians, p. 471.
- Carol Rose, Spirits, Fairies, Leprechauns, and Goblins, s.v. "Goblins."
- Jan Harold Brunvand, editor, American Folklore: An Encyclopedia, s.v. "Goblins."
- Katharine Briggs, An Encyclopedia of Fairies, s.v. "Goblins."
- Trickster carries both readings
4 citations
- E. A. Wallis Budge, The Gods of the Egyptians, p. 471.
- Carol Rose, Spirits, Fairies, Leprechauns, and Goblins, s.v. "Goblins."
- Jan Harold Brunvand, editor, American Folklore: An Encyclopedia, s.v. "Goblins."
- Katharine Briggs, An Encyclopedia of Fairies, s.v. "Goblins."