GOBLIN

Goblin: The Mischievous and Malicious Folklore Creature

Have you ever heard of a goblin? A goblin is a small, grotesque, monstrous creature that appears in the folklore of multiple European cultures. First attested in stories from the Middle Ages, they are ascribed conflicting abilities, temperaments, and appearances depending on the story and country of origin, ranging from mischievous household spirits to malicious, bestial thieves. In this blog post, I will tell you more about the origins, characteristics, and symbolism of the goblin, one of the most intriguing and frightening creatures of legend.

Origins of the 👺

The word goblin comes from the Middle English gobelin, which is derived from the Old French gobelin or gobelinus, a name given to a kind of demon or spirit in medieval Latin texts. The origin of this name is uncertain, but it may be related to the Germanic word kobold, meaning a malicious household spirit or a mine-dwelling sprite

The goblin is a common figure in European folklore, especially in France, Germany, England, Scotland, and Ireland. They are often associated with caves, mines, forests, hills, and marshes, where they dwell and cause trouble for humans. They are also known by different names and variants in different regions, such as boggart, bugbear, hobgoblin, imp, knocker, pooka, redcap, and tro

The goblin has also influenced other cultures and genres. For example, goblins appear in Arabic and Jewish folklore as ghoul s or jinn s , in Scandinavian folklore as troll s or nisse s , in Slavic folklore as domovoi s or kikimora s , and in Japanese folklore as tengu s or kappa s . Goblins are also featured in many fantasy works, such as J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings , J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series , and Jim Henson’s Labyrinth 

Characteristics of the Goblin

The goblin is a shape-shifting creature that can take various forms and sizes. They are usually depicted as small and ugly humanoids with distorted features and sharp teeth. They may have horns, tails, claws, wings, or animal parts. They are often dressed in rags or animal skins. They may also have magical abilities or possess objects of power

The goblin is a cunning and mischievous creature that loves to play tricks on humans. They may steal food, clothing, or valuables; spoil crops or milk; make noises or messes; hide or move things; or frighten people or animals. They may also help with household chores or farming tasks in exchange for food or gifts. However, they are easily offended and may turn hostile if they are not treated well or if their demands are not met

The goblin is a malicious and dangerous creature that can harm or kill humans. They may kidnap children or women; attack travelers or villagers; spread diseases or curses; start fires or floods; or wage war against humans or other creatures. They may also eat human flesh or drink human blood. They are often afraid of iron , fire , holy water , crosses , bells , or sunlight 

Symbolism of the Goblin

The goblin has many meanings and associations in different cultures and contexts. Here are some of them:

• The goblin represents the dark side of human nature. It symbolizes greed , envy , lust , anger , pride , gluttony , sloth , and violence . It also reflects the fear of the unknown , the other , and the self 
• The goblin represents the forces of nature. It symbolizes chaos , disorder , destruction , and change . It also reflects the respect for the natural world , its mysteries , and its dangers
• The goblin represents the spirit of mischief. It symbolizes humor , creativity , freedom , and rebellion . It also reflects the joy of life , its surprises , and its challenges