Hobgoblin

What it is

A hobgoblin is a small, hairy little man found in English folklore. It lives inside human dwellings and performs odd jobs while the family sleeps. These tasks include dusting and ironing. The spirit is often compensated with food. While brownies are peaceful, hobgoblins are fond of practical jokes. They can shapeshift into different forms. They are easily annoyed and can be frightening or dangerous. Giving them clothing may banish them forever. Some tellers say they are offended by gifts, while others claim they are too proud to work in new clothes.

Where it comes from

The term comes from "hob" and was first used around 1530. It likely existed before that date. Shakespeare identified Puck in A Midsummer Night's Dream as a hobgoblin. Robin Goodfellow is considered the most infamous of these spirits. The character evolved over time. Once seen as helpful, the spread of Christianity changed its reputation. It became associated with mischief and trouble rather than simple domestic aid.

How it is done

Hobgoblins work while the household is asleep. They complete small chores like cleaning and laundry. In return, they expect food. If offered clothing, they may leave permanently. Some stories involve clergymen banishing them through prayer. Others describe families moving away because the pranks become too troublesome. The spirit may follow the family to their new home. Some tales mention confinement in wells or caves.

Tools and materials

Food serves as payment for their labor. Clothing acts as a tool for banishment. Specific forms include baggy blue breeches, white horses, black pigs, and blue smoke. Billy Blind offers valuable information and advice. Dobbies cure children of whooping cough in some Yorkshire tales. Lubbar Fends thresh corn and enjoy bowls of cream.

What it is for

They provide domestic help and perform chores. However, they also play harmless pranks. Their actions can range from helpful to troublesome. Families seek their assistance for work but fear their mischief. Some believe they protect the home, while others view them as nuisances. The bauchan is helpful when needed. The bwbach dislikes clergymen and teetotalers, playing pranks on them.

Who does it

Households interact with these spirits daily. No specific training is required to encounter them. They appear in homes across England, Scotland, and Wales. Regional variants exist, such as the Scottish bauchan and Welsh bwbach. Folklorists like Elizabeth Mary Wright documented local names like Dobby. K. M. Briggs studied literary equivalents like Lubbar Fend.

Peoples and places

English folklore features the classic hobgoblin. Scottish tradition includes the mischievous bauchan. Welsh lore describes the good-natured bwbach. Lancashire and Yorkshire use the term Dobby. Different cultures attribute varying levels of helpfulness and malice to these beings. Clergymen often feature as antagonists in these stories, attempting to banish the spirits.

What people believe

Hobgoblins are part of the fairy folk. They are believed to shapeshift and live in human homes. They require compensation for their work. Clothing is a taboo gift that causes banishment. They are easily annoyed and can be dangerous. Some are confined by religious figures. The belief system places them alongside brownies and boggarts. They represent the unpredictable nature of household spirits.

When it is done

They operate during daily routines, specifically at night. Chores are done while the family sleeps. No specific festivals are tied to them. They are present in everyday domestic life. Their activity is continuous unless banished or appeased with food.

How scholars and sceptics see it

Folklorists have collected ballads featuring hobgoblins. F. J. Child gathered stories about Billy Blind. Elizabeth Mary Wright recorded regional terms like Dobby. K. M. Briggs analyzed literary characters. Scholars note the shift from helpful to mischievous roles. This change is linked to Christian influence. Academic study focuses on their classification within household deities.

Compare and confuse

Hobgoblins are related to brownies and boggarts. Brownies are more peaceful. Boggarts cause more trouble. Kobolds are similar household spirits. Goblins are distinct but related creatures. Tolkien translated Orc as goblin or hobgoblin. Emerson used the term metaphorically for foolish consistency.

Questions people ask about Hobgoblin

Good reading and sources

• Hobgoblin on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• Wikidata recordOpen data