Goblin facts for kids
A goblin is a creature from old stories and legends. They are often described as small, ugly, and sometimes a bit mean or tricky. Goblins can look very different and have various personalities depending on the story or the country they come from. They are usually known for causing trouble or being greedy.
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What Are Goblins?
Goblins are imaginary beings that appear in many different folk tales, myths, and modern fantasy stories. They are usually thought of as small, human-like creatures, but with strange features. Sometimes they are green, sometimes brown, and they often have pointy ears, sharp teeth, and long noses.
Where Do Goblins Come From?
The idea of goblins has been around for a very long time, especially in European folklore. The word "goblin" itself comes from old French and German words. In different cultures, similar creatures exist, like the "kobold" in Germany or the "brownie" in Scotland, though these are not always as mischievous as goblins.
How Goblins Act
Goblins are usually known for being naughty or even evil. They might play tricks on people, steal things, or cause general chaos. They are often shown as being greedy, especially for gold and jewels. Sometimes, they live in dark places like caves, mines, or deep forests.
Goblins in Popular Stories
Goblins have appeared in many famous books, movies, and games. Their roles can change a lot, from being minor troublemakers to major villains.
Goblins in Books
One of the most famous stories featuring goblins is The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien. In this book, goblins are dangerous creatures living deep under the mountains. They are shown as cruel and warlike, often fighting against dwarves and other good creatures.
Another classic book is The Princess and the Goblin by George MacDonald. In this story, goblins live in underground caves and are not as evil as Tolkien's goblins, but they are still strange and sometimes scary. They have a kingdom beneath the earth and are sensitive to light and sound.
Goblins in Movies and Games
Goblins also show up a lot in fantasy movies and video games. In many role-playing games like Dungeons & Dragons, goblins are common enemies. They are often shown as weak individually but dangerous in large groups. In some stories, they are even shown as smart engineers, building strange machines.
Related creatures
Images for kids
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The Princess and the Goblin by George MacDonald, illustrated by Jessie Willcox Smith, 1920
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See also
In Spanish: Goblin para niños
