Goblin's
Goblins are a breed of small, swarthy, malicious beings - although 'goblin' as a term is often used as a general name for the uglier inhabitants of Faerie. They sometimes appear in the shape of animals which appropriately reflects their bestial nature. they are the thieves and villains of Faerie, companions to the dead, especially on Halloween:
In that thrice hallow'd Eve abroad,
When Ghosts, as Cottage-Maids believe,
Their pebbled Beds permitted leave,
And Goblins haunt from Fire or Fen,
Or Mine, or Flood, the Walks of Men!
More than this, goblins are tempters, often using forbidden Faerie fruits to lure victims to their doom:
We must not look at Goblin men,
We must not buy their fruits;
Who knows upon what soil they fed,
Their hungry thirsty roots?
Goblin Market
CHRISTINA GIORGINA ROSSETTI
Not all Goblins are inherently evil. The mine dwelling goblins are generally benign towards man.
The Knockers who inhabit Cornish and Devon tin mines made the knocking noises that gave them their name to indicate rich veins of ore. They are generally friendly towards the miners although they enjoy making mischief. The Knocker is an exhibitionist and enjoys nothing more than teasing miners by pulling his already ugly face into even more horrible grimaces and performing grotesque dances.
--- Faeries --- Brian Froud and Alan Lee
|