Table of contentsPhysical appearancePowers and abilitiesHeritageThe goblin is one of the classic monsters of myth. More of a class of creature than a single creature itself, it draws inspiration from myths from around the world. Although the classic goblin is fairly easy to describe, the many subspecies of goblin make them the type of creature that can fit into virtually any story. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay Physical Appearance One of the real problems with describing the appearance of goblins is that there are several types of goblins. Depending on where you are in the world and when the story was written, goblins can range from the terribly inhumane to monsters that are only differentiated by a few minor characteristics. There are dozens of different build and body types, although there are at least a few things that tend to be true. In most cases, goblins are small. They are not small like fairies, but they are generally smaller than the average human. Most goblins tend to be quite ugly, bordering on monstrous. They have distorted features, often accompanied by strange body hair or strangely textured skin. Goblins in modern fiction tend to have long, grasping fingers that may end in claws. Most goblins also have decidedly inhuman eyes. Powers and Abilities A goblin's powers and abilities tend to be related to the type of goblin in the story. There are actually quite few universal constants in terms of power, except that they can be relatively stealthy. Goblins are more likely to be active at night or in hidden locations, but some myths tend to give them the ability to become invisible at will. As general trickster monsters, certain versions of goblins may also have access to limited magic and the ability to change form at will. In more modern tales, goblins tend to be deceptively strong for their size. They are easily capable of kidnapping and overpowering adults, although they are often seen preying on children and livestock. Goblins may have some affinity for gold or treasure, but they can also be bound by promises and contracts. Goblins are such a diverse type of monster that it is safe to attribute virtually any type of behavior or power to these creatures.HeritageGoblins are a generally European invention, with most modern folklore originating from the Present-day Germany. There are, however, goblin-like creatures described almost everywhere in the world. They tend to work well as generic evil spirits and creatures, the kind of monsters who can be held responsible for everything from simple mischief to truly horrific acts. These are the monsters that are used to explain events that are usually too horrible and blamed on man or nature. Goblins tend to appear in rural areas, especially those near forests. They represent a global fear of the dark and the unknown, with the tacit admission that humans cannot necessarily fight against these things that cannot be seen. Even the most benevolent goblins in folklore tend to have a nasty side, so they are also a good example of myths surrounding the importance of keeping your word and honoring your contracts. However, because goblin myths are so ubiquitous, they have the advantage