Goblin vs Hobgoblin
Goblins and Hobgoblins are imaginative, mischievous characters that have been part of folklore and fairy tales for a long time. There has been no consistency in describing these troublesome creatures, leading to confusion between goblins and hobgoblins. This article aims to distinguish these two fictional characters based on their appearance and habits.
Goblin
In fairy tales and other folklore, goblins are often described as small, hairy creatures only a few inches tall, fitting the label of dwarfs. Goblins are attributed with magical powers, and in different places, they are credited with various abilities and powers. Those who have seen the Harry Potter movies may be familiar with the friendly but troublesome goblin character that appears suddenly, causing mischief with the hero. In these movies, goblins are portrayed as greedy but clever creatures.
Hobgoblin
Hobgoblins are another fictional creature often described in folklore. These tiny beings resemble humans and live in human dwellings, but they are only active when humans are asleep. They are seen performing menial work around the household and expect nothing more than food for their efforts. Hobgoblins have been part of fairy tales for a long time.
In the movie “The Lord of the Rings,” hobgoblins are described as larger and more powerful than goblins. However, the author of the book, J.R.R. Tolkien, later realized his mistake that hobgoblins are not larger or more powerful than goblins and corrected his error. Even in modern MMORPGs, hobgoblins are portrayed as more prominent and stronger than goblins.
Key Takeaways
– Goblin and hobgoblin are fictional characters described in fairy tales and folklore, both having magical powers and being friendly but mischievous to humans.
– Goblins are often described as small, hairy creatures only a few inches tall, while hobgoblins are tiny beings that resemble humans and live in human dwellings.
– The difference between the two creatures largely depends on the culture and place where they are encountered, with some portrayals, such as Tolkien’s “The Lord of the Rings,” depicting hobgoblins as larger and stronger than goblins.
