Goblins
Small green folk with big ears and bigger reputations in a world that overlooks them.
Goblins are one of the many sentient humanoid races inhabiting the Discworld, distinguished by their characteristic green skin and oversized ears. While often relegated to the fringes of high society or stereotyped as mischievous troublemakers in human folklore, they possess a rich culture and history of their own. They are frequently found throughout Ankh-Morpork and other civilized areas, navigating a world that often misunderstands them.
- Species
- Humanoid
- Skin Tone
- Greenish hues
- Habitat
- Urban slums, mountainous regions, underground
- Status
- Extant
- Affiliation
- Various (often independent or marginalized)
- First Appears
- Early Discworld novels
Lore & Background
Despite their frequent portrayal in nursery rhymes as monsters or thieves, Goblins are fully sentient beings with families, trades, and social structures. In Ankh-Morpork, they often work in the undercity or take up roles that require dexterity rather than brute strength. They face prejudice from humans who prefer a simple explanation for their existence, but Goblins have proven time and again to be adaptable survivors capable of contributing meaningfully to the city's economy and culture.
In Their Own Story
The streetlight flickered over the wet cobbles of Ankh-Morpork as a small figure huddled in the shadow of a bakery. The goblin adjusted his cap, ensuring it didn't slip over one of his large, pointed ears. He wasn't hiding from thieves; he was waiting for the baker to finish closing up so he could buy the day's stale loaves at half price. A human passerby glanced suspiciously, but the goblin just smiled, showing teeth that were surprisingly white and clean. In this city of many faces, he had found a niche where his size was an advantage, not a hindrance.
Reader's Guide
Goblins function less as a unified political faction and more as a demographic group within Discworld society. Their primary goal is survival and integration into the complex economies of places like Ankh-Morpork or Lancre. Members include individuals from various clans or family lines, often living in close-knit communities due to shared language and cultural practices. They are known for their adaptability, taking on roles as artisans, scouts, or laborers where their physical traits provide an edge. In terms of conflict, Goblins rarely initiate large-scale wars but often find themselves caught between larger powers, such as the human kingdoms or the Dwarven-Troll tensions. Their role is that of the overlooked minority who maintain essential services while navigating prejudice to carve out a respected place in history.
Did You Know?
- Goblins are distinct from Trolls and Dwarfs, possessing their own unique cultural traditions.
- Their large ears allow them to hear sounds at frequencies humans cannot detect.
- They are often misunderstood as monsters by those unfamiliar with Discworld diversity.
- Some Goblins have achieved notable success in Ankh-Morpork's trade guilds.
More in Organizations & Institutions
Elsewhere in the Discworld universe
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