A goblin is a small mischievous humanoid related to the French gobelin, Danish nis, Scottish brownie, and German kobold.

In appearance they resemble a small child with the face of an old man, something like a dwarf or a gnome, and they may have gray hair and beards.

Goblins were originally house spirits that did more good than evil, as long as they were respected and well fed. They were said to choose one family to live with, and while staying hidden they performed all sorts of services for the family such as household chores and other tasks.

Later, the goblin became more sinister and was described as a grotesquely formed malignant creature who haunted and did evil.

They are also associated with the wichtlein, a mine-fairy that performed services for miners as well played tricks on them.

Also known as Robin Goblin, hobgoblin, and hob-goblin.

See Also: Creatures by Type » Demons, Fairies, Shapeshifters

References

Keightley, Thomas. The Fairy Mythology: Illustrative of the Romance and Superstition of Various Countries. London: George Bell & Sons, 1905.