For other uses, see Goblin (disambiguation).
Not to be confused with Gobelin.
Goblin
Goblin illustration by John D. Batten from "English Fairy Tales" (19th century)
Grouping
Diminutive spirit
Similar entities
Fairies, demons, brownies, dwarfs, duendes, gnomes, imps, and kobolds.
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.[1][2] They often have magical abilities similar to a fairy or demon, such as the ability to shapeshift.[2]
