Goblin

folklore · European myths · tricksters · creatures

Small and strange. Goblins are described as tiny, grotesque humanoid creatures with furry or leathery skin. They're often depicted as much smaller than humans, which made them seem mysterious and a bit scary to people in old Europe.

Pranksters and troublemakers. These creatures were believed to live in underground places or inside people's homes, where they would play pranks and cause mischief. Sometimes the pranks were harmless, but other times the stories said goblins could be quite dangerous.

Shape-shifters. According to folklore, goblins had the magical ability to change their shape and appearance. This made them even trickier because you never knew what form they might take.

Names from old languages. The word 'goblin' likely comes from Old French and can be traced back through Medieval Latin and even Greek. Some experts think goblins might have started as helpful household spirits that got scarier when Christianity spread through Europe.

House spirits that changed. In Germanic folklore, creatures called kobolds were originally protective spirits that watched over homes. Over time, people started telling scarier stories about them, turning protectors into troublemakers.