Germany: In German folklore,
Goblins, called Kobolds, were mischievous
tricksters. They were said either to
haunt specific households, mines, and
caves, or to roam freely in the wild.
Great Britain: According to British
mythology, Goblins called Redcaps would
murder humans who trespassed on their
territory. It was believed that the
only way to ward off a Redcap is to
recite a passage from the Bible.
Greece: Kallikantzaroi were
Goblins in Greek folklore. They were
said to dwell underground and to spend
their time trying to sever a tree believed
to hold up the earth. They were believed
to dwell above ground for two weeks
after the Winter Solstice each year
so that they could wreak havoc on humans.
Japan: Mountain Goblins called
tengu have caused havoc in Japanese
mythology by creating fires, kidnapping
and even eating children, misleading
humans, or executing more petty acts
of mischief.
Mexico: In Mexican lore, Goblins
lived in the walls of people's homes,
especially in those of children's bedrooms.
Their actions were typically small acts
of mischief, such as moving a child's
possessions or clipping their toenails.
Philippines: According to Filipino
lore, Goblins live in nature or in abandoned
regions of houses, and may be either
benevolent or evil. It was believed
that they often play with children.
Portugal: Portuguese folklore
suggests that Goblins walk through the
forest, into which they lure girls,
causing the girls to become lost.
Zimbabwe: According to Zimbabwean
lore, a woman who gives birth to a child
with a disability was impregnated in
her sleep by a Goblin.
