Difference between revisions of "Goblin" - New World Encyclopedia

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[[Category:Mythical creatures]]
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[[Image:Goya - Caprichos (49).jpg|thumb|200 px|"Little Goblins" from the ''Los Caprichos'' set of aquatint prints created by [[Francisco Goya]] in 1799.]]
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A '''goblin''' is a [[mythical creature]] of [[Germany|Germanic]] and [[Great Britain|British]] [[folklore]], often believed to be the [[evil]], or merely mischievous, opposite of the more benevolent [[faeries]] and [[spirit]]s of lore. Like many such creatures, there is no single version of a goblin; the term is more generic for those small creatures that live in dark places and cause trouble, but in more recent years, the term has become more concentrated on green-creatures that live in [[cave]]s and terrorize children.
  
{{Cleanup|September 2006}}
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Despite local variations, goblins have almost universally been described as troublemakers. They are either simply tricksters and  mischievous, like immature children, or malevolent, evil-doers dangerous to human beings. Like many similar creatures, they have the characteristics of [[spirit]]s rather than beings existing in the physical world. Thus, they share similarities with [[ghost]]s and and also with [[demon]]s as associated with some Christian teachings and lore.
A '''goblin''' is an evil or merely mischievous creature of [[folklore]], often described as a grotesquely disfigured or [[elf]]-like [[phantom]].  
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{{toc}}
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Traditional cultures throughout the world also have stories and beliefs about figures that share similarities with the European goblins. In Zimbabwe, one cause of a child being born with a disability is that a goblin called a "zvikwambo" may have impregnated the mother while she was sleeping. The mountain goblins of Japan, the [[tengu]], which are in the form of either an old man who has a long nose and walks barefoot or a crow ''tengu'' having the wings, beak, and claws of a bird but the body of a man. In early ''tengu'' legends, they did such evil deeds as starting fires and kidnapping and eating children. They could also transform themselves into humans and mislead people. In later ''tengu,'' legends they become more mischievous and even helpful to people. One ''tengu'' leader was said to have been a master of the martial arts who taught a legendary founder of the martial arts.<ref>Furyu, [http://www.furyu.com/archives/issue2/tengu.html Tengu: The Legendary Mountain Goblins of Japan.] Retrieved September 20, 2007.</ref>
  
==Description==
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==Etymology==
Goblins are grotesque [[fairies]] that can be from [[dwarf]] to [[human]] height. Various (sometimes conflicting) abilities and attributes have been given to them.
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According to some [[tradition]]s, ''goblin'' comes from ''[[Gob]]'' or ''Ghob,'' the king of the [[gnome]]s, whose inferiors were called ''Ghob-lings.'' However, the name is probably derived from the [[Anglo-Norman language|Anglo-French]] ''gobelin'' (medieval [[Latin]] ''gobelinus''), which is probably a diminutive of ''Gobel,'' a name related to the word ''[[kobold]].''  Goblin is also related to the French ''lutin.''<ref>''The Oxford English Dictionary'' (Oxford Press, 1971, ISBN 019861117X).</ref>
  
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A group of goblins is referred to as a "horde." Female goblins are referred to as "[[hag]]s" or "[[crone]]s."
  
*  Goblins can grow to anywhere from 30 cm to 2 m tall.
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==Description==
*  They have a somewhat bestial ausgezeichnet appearance: their brow is fully covered with thick hair and their mouth is filled with yellowed, crooked teeth.
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Goblins are grotesque [[fairies]] that can range from [[dwarf]] height to [[human]] height. Various (sometimes conflicting) abilities and attributes have been given to them. Some accounts claim they are mostly invisible to the human eye, and thus act as phantoms. However, even in traditions where they are invisible, it is still widely known (although how remains mysterious) what they look like underneath their invisibility. They are usually believed to be shorter than human beings; depending upon the source, they can either be stout or thin; their brow is fully covered with thick hair and their mouth is filled with yellowed, crooked teeth. Goblins are often depicted as possessing a coarse, raspy sounding, and slightly high-pitched voice, speaking human languages along with their own, and possessing a cunning intellect. In recent depictions, goblins have been portrayed as green in color, but this is only a modern tradition.
*  They have some traits of old men, which can include shortsightedness, but they are described as wiser than humans.
 
*  In recent depictions Goblins have been portrayed as green in color. This is a modern tradition.
 
*  They are sometimes said to be mostly invisible to human eye.
 
*  They can weave [[nightmare]]s out of [[gossamer]] and insert them into the ear of a sleeping human.
 
*  They steal human women and children and hide them away underground.
 
*  Goblin women steal human babies, replacing them with ugly goblin babies ([[changeling]]s).
 
*  Goblin [[changelings]] are sometimes known as "[[oaf]]s" or "[[crimbil]]s."
 
*  They are sometimes described as being an entirely male race.
 
*  Female goblins are referred to as "[[hag]]s" or "[[crone]]s"
 
*  Goblins are of the Unseelie Court, and are at war with fairies.
 
*  A goblin smile curdles blood.
 
*  A goblin laugh sours milk and causes fruit to fall from trees.
 
*  It is said that they mimic human actions in their sardonic way, twisting human rituals and culture to show the worst aspects.
 
*  Goblin pranks include hiding small objects, tipping over pails of milk, and altering signposts.
 
*  Goblins are often associated with fire, or have the ability to create said element.
 
*  Goblins like to borrow horses and ride them all night. If a horse is tired in the morning, it is said a goblin rode it. If a horse is panicking, the goblin is trying to mount it.
 
They are said to count the dead among their companions ('ghosts & goblins'). Goblins like to roam and cause mayhem during Halloween, along with a crowd of ghosts, witches, etc. It is the last day they can walk the surface before their caves are snowed in for the winter.
 
*  'Goblin’s Thimbles' is another name for the [[foxglove]] plant.
 
*  They sometimes eat humans.
 
*  A group of goblins is referred to as a horde.
 
*  In some cases, Goblins love mushrooms, and utilize them for housing, recreation, and as food.
 
Goblins are often depicted possessing a coarse raspy sounding and slightly high-pitched voice.
 
*  When speaking a human tongue, goblins will stereotypically refer to themselves in third person.
 
*  Goblins often have a particular interest in money or trading, like being banker in the [[Harry Potter]] book series or running trade houses in [[World of Warcraft]]
 
  
{{citation needed}}
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Many characteristics have been attributed to the generic term of goblin. In some cultures, they are more tricksters, who steal [[horse]]s to ride at night, hide small objects, tip over pails of [[milk]], and alter signposts, much like the [[pixie]]s of [[Great Britain]]. Some believe that goblins are more malevolent, weaving [[nightmare]]s out of [[gossamer]] and inserting them into the ear of a sleeping human, stealing human women and children and hiding them away underground, or even stealing human babies and replacing them with ugly goblin babies ([[changeling]]s). A goblin smile is said to curdle [[blood]] and a laugh to sour milk and cause fruit to fall from trees. Goblins are often believed to be [[nomad]]ic, never staying too long in one place.
 
 
==Etymology==
 
According to some [[tradition]]s, ''goblin'' comes from ''[[Gob]]'' or ''Ghob'', the king of the [[gnome]]s, whose inferiors were called ''Ghob-lings''. However, according to "''The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Current English''" the name is probably derived from the [[Anglo-Norman language|Anglo-French]] ''gobelin'' (medieval [[Latin]] ''gobelinus''), which is probably a diminutive of ''Gobel'', a name related to the word ''[[kobold]]''. Goblin is also related to the French ''lutin''.
 
  
 
==Origin==
 
==Origin==
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There is no consensus on the origin of goblin [[myth]]s. Since goblins are similar to [[faeries]] and other spirits of [[Europe]], it is possible that they share a similar origin. Many scholars believe that such creatures came out of an interest in [[Paganism]] and its [[mysticism]], especially the belief in nature spirits and [[magic]]. Goblins could possibly come from the belief that, along with virtuous pagans, there were evil ones that became evil spirits. Sir [[Walter Scott]], in his ''[[Letters on Demonology and Witchcraft]],'' ascribed [[gnome]]s, [[kobold]]s, and goblins, along with Scottish ''bogles'' to all correspond with a caricature of the [[Sami]] people.
  
One fabled origin for Goblins is in France, in a cleft of the [[Pyrenees]], from which they spread rapidly throughout Europe. They hitched a ride with Viking ships to get to Britain. They have no homes, being nomadic, dwelling temporarily in mossy cracks in rocks and tree roots. '''Bryn y Ellyllon''' 'The Hill of the Goblins' is a place in [[Somerset]]. The '''Gap of Goeblin''' is a hole and underground tunnel in France.
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While from a folkloric perspective their origin may not be known, there were mythological tales that recount it: One of the most popular origin stories for Goblins states that they originated in [[France]], in a cleft of the [[Pyrenees]], but left at some point in history, spreading throughout all of Europe.<ref>Micha F Lindemans, [http://www.pantheon.org/articles/g/goblin.html Goblins] (1997). Retrieved July 2, 2007.</ref>
 
 
Sir Walter Scott in his ''[[Letters on Demonology and witchcraft]]'' ascribed gnomes, kobolds and goblins, along with Scottish ''bogles'' to all correspond with a caricature of the [[Sami people]].
 
 
 
==Cultural Variations==
 
  
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==Cultural variations==
 
===Redcap===
 
===Redcap===
 
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A '''Red Cap,''' or '''Redcap,''' also known as a ''powrie'' or ''dunter,'' is a type of malevolent murderous goblin, [[elf]], or [[fairy]] found in [[British folklore]]. They are said to inhabit ruined castles along the border between [[England]] and [[Scotland]], to [[murder]] travelers who stray into their homes, and to dye their hats with their victims' [[blood]] (from which they get their name).<ref>K. M. Briggs, ''The Fairies in English Tradition and Literature'' (London: University of Chicago Press, 1967). </ref> Indeed, redcaps must kill regularly, for if the blood staining their hats dries out, they die. Redcaps are very fast in spite of the heavy iron pikes they wield and the iron-shod boots they wear. Outrunning the buck-toothed little demons is quite impossible; the only way to escape one is to quote a passage from the [[Bible]]. They lose a [[tooth]] on hearing it, which they leave behind.
A '''Red Cap''' or '''Redcap,''' also known as a ''powrie'' or ''dunter'', is a type of malevolent murderous [[goblin]], [[elf]] or [[fairy]] found in [[British folklore]]. They inhabit ruined castles found along the border between [[England]] and [[Scotland]]. Redcaps are said to murder travelers who stray into their homes and dye their hats with their victims' blood (from which they get their name).<ref>K. M. Briggs, ''The Fairies in English Tradition and Literature'', p 57 University of Chicago Press, London, 1967</ref> Indeed, redcaps must kill regularly, for if the blood staining their hats dries out, they die. Redcaps are very fast in spite of the heavy iron pikes they wield and the iron-shod boots they wear. Outrunning the buck-toothed little daemons is quite impossible; the only way to escape one is to quote a passage from the [[Bible]]. They lose a tooth on hearing it, which they leave behind.
 
[[Image:Hermitagecastle1.jpg|left|thumb|200px|<center>Hermitage Castle.<Center>]]
 
 
[[Image:Hermitagecastle1814.jpg|200px|right|thumb|Hermitage Castle in 1814.]]  
 
[[Image:Hermitagecastle1814.jpg|200px|right|thumb|Hermitage Castle in 1814.]]  
The most infamous redcap of all was Robin Redcap. As the familiar of Lord [[William de Soulis]], Robin wreaked much harm and ruin in the lands of his master's dwelling, [[Hermitage Castle]]. Men were murdered, women cruelly abused, and [[Occultism|dark arts]] were practiced. So much infamy and blasphemy was said to have been committed at Hermitage Castle that the great stone keep was thought to be sinking under a great weight of sin, as though the very ground wanted to hide it from the sight of God.
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The most infamous redcap of all was [[Robin Redcap]]. As the demonic familiar (assistant) of Lord [[William de Soulis]], Robin wreaked much harm and ruin in the lands of his master's dwelling, [[Hermitage Castle]] in Liddesdale, Scotland, close to the English border. Men were murdered, women cruelly abused, and [[Occultism|dark arts]] were practiced. So much infamy and [[blasphemy]] was said to have been committed at Hermitage Castle that the great stone keep (the castle) was thought to be sinking under a great weight of [[sin]], as though the very ground wanted to hide it from the sight of [[God]].
  
Yet Soulis, for all the evil he wrought, met a very horrible end: he was taken to the Nine Stane Rigg, a circle of stones hard by the castle, and there he was wrapped in lead and boiled to death in a great cauldron.<ref name="Mack146">Mack, James Logan (1926). ''The Border Line'' Oliver & Boyd. Edinburgh.P. 146.</ref>
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Yet Soulis, for all the evil he wrought, met a very horrible end: He was taken to the Nine Stane Rigg, a circle of stones hard by the castle (a nearby megalithic circle), and there he was boiled to death in a great cauldron.<ref>James Logan Mack, ''The Border Line'' (Oliver & Boyd, 1926).</ref>
  
 
===Kallikantzaros===
 
===Kallikantzaros===
A '''Kallikantzaros''' (Καλλικάντζαρος) pl. ''Kallikantzaroi'' is a malevolent [[goblin]] in [[Greeks|Greek]] and [[Cypriot]] folk [[tradition]]. They dwell underground but come to the surface from 25 December to 6 January (from the winter solstice for a fortnight during which time the sun ceases its seasonal movement). Its name is possibly derived from "''kalos-kentauros'', or "beautiful centaur.".<ref name="Ginzburg 1991">{{cite book |last= Ginzburg |first= Carlo |title= Ecstasies: Deciphering the Witches Sabbath|year= 1991|publisher= Univeristy of Chicago Press|location= Chicago|isbn= 0226296938}}</ref>
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A '''Kallikantzaros''' (Καλλικάντζαρος) pl. ''Kallikantzaroi,'' is a malevolent [[goblin]] in [[Greece|Greek]] and [[Cyprus|Cypriot]] folk [[tradition]]. They dwell underground but come to the surface from December 25 to January 6, (from the winter [[solstice]] for a fortnight during which time the [[sun]] ceases its [[season]]al movement). Its name is possibly derived from "''kalos-kentauros,''" or "beautiful centaur."<ref>Carlo Ginzburg, ''Ecstasies: Deciphering the Witches Sabbath'' (Chicago: University of Chicago, 1991, ISBN 0226296938).</ref>  
 
 
It is believed that Kallikantzaroi stay underground sawing the [[World tree]], so that it will collapse, along with [[Earth]].<ref name="Ginzburg 1991"/>However, when they are about to saw the final part, [[Christmas]] dawns and they are able to come to surface. They forget the Tree and come to bring trouble to mortals.
 
 
 
Finally, on the [[Epiphany (Christian)|Epiphany]] (6 January), the sun starts moving again, and they must go underground again to continue their sawing. They see that during their absence the [[World tree]] has healed itself, so they must start working all over again. This happens every year.
 
 
 
There is no standard appearance of Kallikantzaroi, there are regional differences on their appearance. Some Greeks have imagined them with some animal parts, like hairy bodies, horse legs, or boar tusks, sometimes enormous, other times diminutive. Others see them as humans of small size smelling horribly.  They are predominatly male, often with protruding sex characteristics.<ref name="Ginzburg 1991"/>
 
 
 
The Kallikantzaroi are creatures of the night. There were ways people could protect themselves during the days when the Kallikantzaroi were loose. They could leave a [[colander]] on their doorstep: if a Kallikantzaros approached for his evildoings, he would instead decide to sit and count the holes until the sun rose and he was forced to hide. The Kallikantzaroi also could not count above 2, since [[3 (number)|3]] is a holy number, and by pronouncing it, they would kill themselves. Another method of protection is to leave the fire burning in the fireplace all night so that they cannot enter through there.
 
 
 
Legend has it that any child born during the twelve days of the [[Saturnalia]] (17th through 26 December) was in danger of [[shapeshifting|transforming]] to a Kallikantzaros for each Christmas season, starting with adulthood. The antidote: Binding the baby in tresses of garlic or straw, or singeing the child's toenails.
 
 
 
In [[Greek language|Greek]] ''Kallikantzaros'' is also used for every short, ugly and usually mischievous being. If not used for the abovementioned creatures, it seems to express the collective sense for the Irish word [[leprechaun]] and the English words [[gnome]] and [[goblin]].
 
 
 
== Goblins in art and literature ==
 
* The [[webcomic]] ''[[Goblins (webcomic)|Goblins]]'' is famous for portraying goblins as oppressed by presumptuous "heroes" who assume the goblins are vile creatures and kill them for loot and experience.
 
*''[[The Goblin and the Huckster]]'' by [[Hans Christian Andersen]] (1853), ''[[The Benevolent Goblin]] by Gesta Romanorum, and ''[[The Goblin of Adachigahara]]'' (Japanese) are just a few [[fairy tale]]s depicting goblins. See also the [[Brothers Grimm]].
 
 
 
*[[Christina Rossetti]] in her poem ''[[Goblin Market]]'', used goblins as symbols of earthly desires who tantalize and nearly destroy a girl who falls under their [[Spell (paranormal)|spell]].
 
 
 
*Poet Craig MacKenzie, known for his works in portraying mythical creatures, described these creatures as being a paean to early explorers tales, documenting what they seen, It is now known that these creatures were probably small apes. In one of his greater works, MacKenzie uses the comparison of a goblin to the liking of one of his townspeople, Michael Nimbley, using 'goblin' as an insulting phrase.
 
 
 
*Author [[George MacDonald]], in ''[[The Princess and the Goblin]]'', portrayed goblins as malevolent, subterranean creatures.
 
 
 
*The book is said to have been a childhood favorite of [[J. R. R. Tolkien]], who populated his [[Middle-earth]] with goblins, which he later called [[Orc (Middle-earth)|Orcs]].
 
 
 
*Other books that feature goblins are: ''The Book of Wonder'' (1912) (The Hoard of the Gibbelins) by Edward Plunkett (18th Baron Dunsany), ''The Brownies and the Goblins'' (1915), ''Outside Over There'' by [[Maurice Sendak]], ''Rainbow Goblins'', ''The White Goblin'', ''[[The Revenge of the Shadow King]]'' by Derek Benz and J.S. Lewis
 
 
 
*In the [[Jim Henson]] film ''[[Labyrinth (film)|Labyrinth]]'', Goblins figure prominently.  Jareth the Goblin King, a powerful sorcerer (portrayed by [[David Bowie]]), commands a legion of foul, diminutive, largely incompetent creatures. The goblins initially do the bidding of a young girl (played by [[Jennifer Connelly]]), who must ultimately overcome her fear of them and resist seduction by their king.
 
 
 
*Goblins also feature in the novel ''[[The Black Cauldron]]'', adapted into a film in 1985 by [[Walt Disney Pictures]], and in the 1986 film ''[[Legend (film)|Legend]]'', starring [[Tom Cruise]]. In 2005, a new perspective of goblins was depicted in the novel [[Dance of the Goblins]] by [[Jaq D. Hawkins]]. A film based on the novel and directed by David Heinemann and starring [[Kevin McNally]] is currently in pre-production at [[Goblin Films Ltd]].
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
*The '''U.S. fighter plane''' [[XF-85]], is nicknamed "the Goblin." The Goblin is one of America's earliest jets, first flying in 1948.  Only 14 feet (4.3 meters) long, it was intended to have a top speed of 650 mph and flying time of 80 minutes.  The concept didn't get too far, though, with only two aircraft built and very few flights made.  After only a year and with just a few drops and recoveries from B-29 Superfortresses, the program was cancelled.
 
 
 
*'''The [[Green Goblin]]''' is a villainous character in the [[Marvel Comics]] [[Spider-Man]] comic book series .
 
 
 
*''The March of the Goblins'' is a polka song composed by J.J. Tarrant.
 
 
 
*In the [[Spiderwick]] Chronicles, goblins are toothless, toadlike beings who use random artifacts in the place of fangs.
 
  
*Goblin is [[Monster in My Pocket]] #27. He appears briefly in the first issue of the [[comic book]]. In the [[video game]], he throws [[sugar cube]]s in the [[kitchen]], stage 2.
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It is believed that Kallikantzaroi stay underground sawing the "World Tree" that holds up the [[earth]], so that it will collapse, along with earth. However, when they are about to saw the final part, [[Christmas]] dawns and they are able to come to surface. They forget the Tree and come to bring trouble to mortals. Finally, on the [[Epiphany (Christian)|Epiphany]] (January 6), the sun starts moving again, and they must go underground again to continue their sawing. They see that during their absence the World Tree has healed itself, so they must start working all over again. This happens every year.<ref>Soula Mitakidou, Anthony L. Manna, and Melpomeni Kanatsouli, ''Folktales from Greece: A Treasury of Delights'' (ISBN 1-56308-908-4).</ref>
  
==Goblins in modern fiction==
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The Kallikantzaroi are creatures of the night. There were ways people could protect themselves during the days when the Kallikantzaroi were loose. They could leave a [[colander]] on their doorstep: If a Kallikantzaros approached for his evildoings, he would instead decide to sit and count the holes until the sun rose and he was forced to hide. The Kallikantzaroi also could not count above two, since three is a holy number, and by pronouncing it, they would kill themselves. Another method of protection is to leave the [[fire]] burning in the fireplace all night so that they cannot enter through there.
  
Two major branches of goblins exist in popular game properties. Alongside with [[J. R. R. Tolkien]]'s descriptions of [[Orc]]s, the older branch is inherently evil and malicious, with varying coloring and generally matted and filthy hair.  This type of goblin appears in ''[[Dungeons & Dragons]]''.  The distinctive green-skinned, hairless, capricious, and generally amoral (rather than absolutely evil) goblins created for ''[[Warhammer Fantasy|Warhammer]]'' are direct progenitors of goblins in more modern games, such as those in the [[Warcraft Universe]] or ''[[Magic: The Gathering]]''.
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In [[Greek language|Greek]] ''Kallikantzaros'' is also used for every short, ugly, and usually mischievous being. If not used for the above-mentioned creatures, it seems to express the collective sense for the Irish word [[leprechaun]] and the English words [[gnome]] and goblin.
  
==Pop Culture==
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===Kobold===
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Kobold is the [[German language|German]] word for goblin, and the German version is very similar to the Redcaps of Britain. They are said to haunt [[mining|mines]] and underground places, are mischievous, and play tricks. Sometimes they are bound to one particular household to haunt, while other times they are allowed to roam freely.
  
Red Cap is [[Monster in My Pocket]] #25. They appear in the [[video game]], sliding down diagonal girders in the stage 4 [[construction site]].
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== Goblins in literature ==
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Due to the generic implications of their name, goblins have been used in numerous different types of [[literature]] for many years. Some of the earliest [[fairy tale]]s, including ''[[The Goblin and the Huckster]]'' by [[Hans Christian Andersen]] (1853), ''[[The Benevolent Goblin]]'' by Gesta Romanorum, and ''[[The Goblin of Adachigahara]]'' (Japanese) are just a few tales depicting goblins, as well as numerous stories of the [[Brothers Grimm]]. [[Victorian Era|Victorian]] poet [[Christina Rossetti]] in her poem, "[[Goblin Market]]," used goblins as [[symbol]]s of earthly desires who tantalize and nearly destroy a girl who falls under their [[Spell (paranormal)|spell]]. Author [[George MacDonald]], in ''[[The Princess and the Goblin]],'' portrayed goblins as malevolent, subterranean creatures. The book is said to have been a childhood favorite of [[J.R.R. Tolkien]], who populated his [[Middle-earth]] with goblins, which appear to be related to his [[orc]]s.
  
Mike Mignola, the author of the [[Hellboy]] comic book series, includes a short story entitled "Iron Shoes" which depicts Hellboy investigating an old abandoned castle in Scotland inhabited by a cannibalistic goblin who wears iron shoes and hurls iron spears.  
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Other more recent books that feature goblins are: ''The Book of Wonder'' (1912) ''(The Hoard of the Gibbelins)'' by Edward Plunkett (18th Baron Dunsany), ''The Brownies and the Goblins'' (1915), ''Outside Over There'' by [[Maurice Sendak]], ''Rainbow Goblins,'' ''The White Goblin,'' and ''[[The Revenge of the Shadow King]],'' by Derek Benz and J.S. Lewis.
  
Redcaps are mentioned in the [[Harry Potter]] series by British author [[J. K. Rowling]].
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==Pop culture==
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Numerous [[role-playing game|role-playing]] [[fantasy]] games incorporate goblins, following the traditions of the inherently evil and malicious, with varying coloring, and generally matted and filthy hair. This type of goblin appears in ''[[Dungeons & Dragons]].'' The distinctive green-skinned, hairless, capricious, and generally amoral (rather than absolutely evil) goblins created for ''[[Warhammer Fantasy|Warhammer]]'' are direct progenitors of goblins in more modern games, such as those in the [[Warcraft Universe]] or ''[[Magic: The Gathering]].''
  
Redcaps are enemies which match their original description of goblins in the MMORPG [[City of Heroes]].
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In [[film]], goblins are sometimes given a different representation. In the [[Jim Henson]] film ''[[Labyrinth (film)|Labyrinth]],'' Goblins figure prominently. Jareth the Goblin King, a powerful sorcerer, commands a legion of foul, diminutive, largely incompetent creatures. In other animated fairy tales and more child-oriented programs, goblins once again become more mischievous than evil, although they are often still depicted as frightening.
 
 
Redcaps are one of the basic [[Kith]]s of [[Kithain]] in [[Changeling]] the Dreaming, the RPG by [[Whitewolf]].
 
Red caps (aka powries) are also some of the monsters in R.A. Salvatore's DemonWars series.
 
 
 
The [[Final Fantasy series]], most notably in [[Final Fantasy Tactics]] and [[Final Fantasy Tactics Advance]], Redcaps appear and they are considered members of the goblin family, often being the weakest members of this family.
 
  
 
==Notes==
 
==Notes==
Line 127: Line 59:
  
 
==References==
 
==References==
 
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* Briggs, Katharine. "Redcap." ''An Encyclopedia of Fairies, Hobgoblins, Brownies, Boogies, and Other Supernatural Creatures.'' ISBN 039473467X.
*[[Katharine Mary Briggs|Katharine Briggs]], ''An Encyclopedia of Fairies, Hobgoblins, Brownies, Boogies, and Other Supernatural Creatures,'' "Redcap," p 339. ISBN 0-394-73467-X
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* Dubois, Pierre. ''The Complete Encyclopedia of Elves, Goblins, and Other Little Creatures.'' Abbeville Pres, 2005. ISBN 0789208784.
 
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* Froud, Brian. ''The Goblin Companion.'' Turner Pub, 2003. ISBN 186205648X.
=='''Sources''':==
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* Froud, Brian. ''Goblins!'' Harry N. Abrams. 2004. ISBN 0810949415.
* ''British Goblins: Welsh Folk-lore, Fairy Mythology, Legends and Traditions'' by Wirt Sikes
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* Page, Michael, and Robert Ingpen. ''Encyclopedia of Things That Never Were.'' Penguin Studio, 1998. ISBN 0140100083.
* ''Encyclopedia of Things That Never Were'' by Michael Page & Robert Ingpen
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* Sikes, Wirt. ''British Goblins: Welsh Folk-lore, Fairy Mythology, Legends and Traditions.'' Kessinger Publishing, 2003. ISBN 978-0766179936
* ''The Complete Encyclopedia of Elves, Goblins, and Other Little Creatures'' by Pierre Dubois
 
* ''Goblins!'' and ''The Goblin Companion'' by Brain Froud
 
 
 
==External link==
 
*[http://webhome.idirect.com/~donlong/monsters/Html/Redcap.htm Redcap Picture]
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
{{Credits|Goblin|93477416|Kallikantzaros|127306875|Redcap|130990571|}}
 
{{Credits|Goblin|93477416|Kallikantzaros|127306875|Redcap|130990571|}}

Latest revision as of 15:53, 18 December 2022


"Little Goblins" from the Los Caprichos set of aquatint prints created by Francisco Goya in 1799.

A goblin is a mythical creature of Germanic and British folklore, often believed to be the evil, or merely mischievous, opposite of the more benevolent faeries and spirits of lore. Like many such creatures, there is no single version of a goblin; the term is more generic for those small creatures that live in dark places and cause trouble, but in more recent years, the term has become more concentrated on green-creatures that live in caves and terrorize children.

Despite local variations, goblins have almost universally been described as troublemakers. They are either simply tricksters and mischievous, like immature children, or malevolent, evil-doers dangerous to human beings. Like many similar creatures, they have the characteristics of spirits rather than beings existing in the physical world. Thus, they share similarities with ghosts and and also with demons as associated with some Christian teachings and lore.

Traditional cultures throughout the world also have stories and beliefs about figures that share similarities with the European goblins. In Zimbabwe, one cause of a child being born with a disability is that a goblin called a "zvikwambo" may have impregnated the mother while she was sleeping. The mountain goblins of Japan, the tengu, which are in the form of either an old man who has a long nose and walks barefoot or a crow tengu having the wings, beak, and claws of a bird but the body of a man. In early tengu legends, they did such evil deeds as starting fires and kidnapping and eating children. They could also transform themselves into humans and mislead people. In later tengu, legends they become more mischievous and even helpful to people. One tengu leader was said to have been a master of the martial arts who taught a legendary founder of the martial arts.[1]

Etymology

According to some traditions, goblin comes from Gob or Ghob, the king of the gnomes, whose inferiors were called Ghob-lings. However, the name is probably derived from the Anglo-French gobelin (medieval Latin gobelinus), which is probably a diminutive of Gobel, a name related to the word kobold. Goblin is also related to the French lutin.[2]

A group of goblins is referred to as a "horde." Female goblins are referred to as "hags" or "crones."

Description

Goblins are grotesque fairies that can range from dwarf height to human height. Various (sometimes conflicting) abilities and attributes have been given to them. Some accounts claim they are mostly invisible to the human eye, and thus act as phantoms. However, even in traditions where they are invisible, it is still widely known (although how remains mysterious) what they look like underneath their invisibility. They are usually believed to be shorter than human beings; depending upon the source, they can either be stout or thin; their brow is fully covered with thick hair and their mouth is filled with yellowed, crooked teeth. Goblins are often depicted as possessing a coarse, raspy sounding, and slightly high-pitched voice, speaking human languages along with their own, and possessing a cunning intellect. In recent depictions, goblins have been portrayed as green in color, but this is only a modern tradition.

Many characteristics have been attributed to the generic term of goblin. In some cultures, they are more tricksters, who steal horses to ride at night, hide small objects, tip over pails of milk, and alter signposts, much like the pixies of Great Britain. Some believe that goblins are more malevolent, weaving nightmares out of gossamer and inserting them into the ear of a sleeping human, stealing human women and children and hiding them away underground, or even stealing human babies and replacing them with ugly goblin babies (changelings). A goblin smile is said to curdle blood and a laugh to sour milk and cause fruit to fall from trees. Goblins are often believed to be nomadic, never staying too long in one place.

Origin

There is no consensus on the origin of goblin myths. Since goblins are similar to faeries and other spirits of Europe, it is possible that they share a similar origin. Many scholars believe that such creatures came out of an interest in Paganism and its mysticism, especially the belief in nature spirits and magic. Goblins could possibly come from the belief that, along with virtuous pagans, there were evil ones that became evil spirits. Sir Walter Scott, in his Letters on Demonology and Witchcraft, ascribed gnomes, kobolds, and goblins, along with Scottish bogles to all correspond with a caricature of the Sami people.

While from a folkloric perspective their origin may not be known, there were mythological tales that recount it: One of the most popular origin stories for Goblins states that they originated in France, in a cleft of the Pyrenees, but left at some point in history, spreading throughout all of Europe.[3]

Cultural variations

Redcap

A Red Cap, or Redcap, also known as a powrie or dunter, is a type of malevolent murderous goblin, elf, or fairy found in British folklore. They are said to inhabit ruined castles along the border between England and Scotland, to murder travelers who stray into their homes, and to dye their hats with their victims' blood (from which they get their name).[4] Indeed, redcaps must kill regularly, for if the blood staining their hats dries out, they die. Redcaps are very fast in spite of the heavy iron pikes they wield and the iron-shod boots they wear. Outrunning the buck-toothed little demons is quite impossible; the only way to escape one is to quote a passage from the Bible. They lose a tooth on hearing it, which they leave behind.

Hermitage Castle in 1814.

The most infamous redcap of all was Robin Redcap. As the demonic familiar (assistant) of Lord William de Soulis, Robin wreaked much harm and ruin in the lands of his master's dwelling, Hermitage Castle in Liddesdale, Scotland, close to the English border. Men were murdered, women cruelly abused, and dark arts were practiced. So much infamy and blasphemy was said to have been committed at Hermitage Castle that the great stone keep (the castle) was thought to be sinking under a great weight of sin, as though the very ground wanted to hide it from the sight of God.

Yet Soulis, for all the evil he wrought, met a very horrible end: He was taken to the Nine Stane Rigg, a circle of stones hard by the castle (a nearby megalithic circle), and there he was boiled to death in a great cauldron.[5]

Kallikantzaros

A Kallikantzaros (Καλλικάντζαρος) pl. Kallikantzaroi, is a malevolent goblin in Greek and Cypriot folk tradition. They dwell underground but come to the surface from December 25 to January 6, (from the winter solstice for a fortnight during which time the sun ceases its seasonal movement). Its name is possibly derived from "kalos-kentauros," or "beautiful centaur."[6]

It is believed that Kallikantzaroi stay underground sawing the "World Tree" that holds up the earth, so that it will collapse, along with earth. However, when they are about to saw the final part, Christmas dawns and they are able to come to surface. They forget the Tree and come to bring trouble to mortals. Finally, on the Epiphany (January 6), the sun starts moving again, and they must go underground again to continue their sawing. They see that during their absence the World Tree has healed itself, so they must start working all over again. This happens every year.[7]

The Kallikantzaroi are creatures of the night. There were ways people could protect themselves during the days when the Kallikantzaroi were loose. They could leave a colander on their doorstep: If a Kallikantzaros approached for his evildoings, he would instead decide to sit and count the holes until the sun rose and he was forced to hide. The Kallikantzaroi also could not count above two, since three is a holy number, and by pronouncing it, they would kill themselves. Another method of protection is to leave the fire burning in the fireplace all night so that they cannot enter through there.

In Greek Kallikantzaros is also used for every short, ugly, and usually mischievous being. If not used for the above-mentioned creatures, it seems to express the collective sense for the Irish word leprechaun and the English words gnome and goblin.

Kobold

Kobold is the German word for goblin, and the German version is very similar to the Redcaps of Britain. They are said to haunt mines and underground places, are mischievous, and play tricks. Sometimes they are bound to one particular household to haunt, while other times they are allowed to roam freely.

Goblins in literature

Due to the generic implications of their name, goblins have been used in numerous different types of literature for many years. Some of the earliest fairy tales, including The Goblin and the Huckster by Hans Christian Andersen (1853), The Benevolent Goblin by Gesta Romanorum, and The Goblin of Adachigahara (Japanese) are just a few tales depicting goblins, as well as numerous stories of the Brothers Grimm. Victorian poet Christina Rossetti in her poem, "Goblin Market," used goblins as symbols of earthly desires who tantalize and nearly destroy a girl who falls under their spell. Author George MacDonald, in The Princess and the Goblin, portrayed goblins as malevolent, subterranean creatures. The book is said to have been a childhood favorite of J.R.R. Tolkien, who populated his Middle-earth with goblins, which appear to be related to his orcs.

Other more recent books that feature goblins are: The Book of Wonder (1912) (The Hoard of the Gibbelins) by Edward Plunkett (18th Baron Dunsany), The Brownies and the Goblins (1915), Outside Over There by Maurice Sendak, Rainbow Goblins, The White Goblin, and The Revenge of the Shadow King, by Derek Benz and J.S. Lewis.

Pop culture

Numerous role-playing fantasy games incorporate goblins, following the traditions of the inherently evil and malicious, with varying coloring, and generally matted and filthy hair. This type of goblin appears in Dungeons & Dragons. The distinctive green-skinned, hairless, capricious, and generally amoral (rather than absolutely evil) goblins created for Warhammer are direct progenitors of goblins in more modern games, such as those in the Warcraft Universe or Magic: The Gathering.

In film, goblins are sometimes given a different representation. In the Jim Henson film Labyrinth, Goblins figure prominently. Jareth the Goblin King, a powerful sorcerer, commands a legion of foul, diminutive, largely incompetent creatures. In other animated fairy tales and more child-oriented programs, goblins once again become more mischievous than evil, although they are often still depicted as frightening.

Notes

  1. Furyu, Tengu: The Legendary Mountain Goblins of Japan. Retrieved September 20, 2007.
  2. The Oxford English Dictionary (Oxford Press, 1971, ISBN 019861117X).
  3. Micha F Lindemans, Goblins (1997). Retrieved July 2, 2007.
  4. K. M. Briggs, The Fairies in English Tradition and Literature (London: University of Chicago Press, 1967).
  5. James Logan Mack, The Border Line (Oliver & Boyd, 1926).
  6. Carlo Ginzburg, Ecstasies: Deciphering the Witches Sabbath (Chicago: University of Chicago, 1991, ISBN 0226296938).
  7. Soula Mitakidou, Anthony L. Manna, and Melpomeni Kanatsouli, Folktales from Greece: A Treasury of Delights (ISBN 1-56308-908-4).

References
ISBN links support NWE through referral fees

  • Briggs, Katharine. "Redcap." An Encyclopedia of Fairies, Hobgoblins, Brownies, Boogies, and Other Supernatural Creatures. ISBN 039473467X.
  • Dubois, Pierre. The Complete Encyclopedia of Elves, Goblins, and Other Little Creatures. Abbeville Pres, 2005. ISBN 0789208784.
  • Froud, Brian. The Goblin Companion. Turner Pub, 2003. ISBN 186205648X.
  • Froud, Brian. Goblins! Harry N. Abrams. 2004. ISBN 0810949415.
  • Page, Michael, and Robert Ingpen. Encyclopedia of Things That Never Were. Penguin Studio, 1998. ISBN 0140100083.
  • Sikes, Wirt. British Goblins: Welsh Folk-lore, Fairy Mythology, Legends and Traditions. Kessinger Publishing, 2003. ISBN 978-0766179936

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