What makes a hobgoblin different from other goblins in fantasy novels?

[OP1000]

Hello!!!!

So I would like to ask whether you guys believe that a hobgoblin is significantly different from the stereotypical goblin shown in fantasy novels or do you simply see them as larger versions of the stereotypical goblins of fantasy novels?

 

[Notadate]

Big bois
more refine

 

[Jemini]

I decided to do a quick search on the original lore in response to this thread. What I found was interesting.

Turns out, hobgoblins were originally portrayed as friendly, if somewhat mischievous, creatures in English folklore as opposed to the standard goblins (also from English folklore) which were universally mean-spirited. Not always evil exactly, but definitely not a good thing to have around.

The term "hob" in hobgoblin actually means "elf." So, it literally means elf-goblin. Also, in Shakespear's original writing notes, Puck from "A Mid Summer Night's Dream" was said to be a hobgoblin.

EDIT: As always, it was Dungeons and Dragons that dramatically shifted the lore into what we know it as today. In D&D, hobgoblins were an entirely separate species from goblins, they were much bigger and stronger than goblins usually being man-sized with big burly muscles as opposed to goblins which were short little nasty child-size things with wiry builds. But, they were both portrayed as monstrous.

Hobgoblins and regular goblins would often ally together rather easily, mostly because goblins would be naturally subservient to hobgoblins and follow all their orders.

 

[NotaNuffian]

Goblin: Little shitlings size of six years old
Hobgoblin: Shitlings size of 12 years old, slightly smarter than goblin, more cruel as well.

 

[wimbledon]

Historically, most types of goblins are malice-filled gremlins; hobgoblins are just house spirits with a tendency to pull pranks. Considering that a goblin 'prank' is them gnawing on your bones and sucking out the marrow, I'd much rather deal with the hobgoblin.

 

[TheMonotonePuppet]

Hobgoblin= @Rhaps
Goblin= serial killer

 

[CheertheSecond]

Pop fictions described Hobgoblin as rogue goblin as in goblin without allegiance.

They are goblins that lost their nest and had to wander to find their new nest. Typically, this would not end well for the rogue because this survivor group is smaller than their original nest, hungry, may even lack leadership. This means there is a high selective power on these rogues. As a result, they have to gain more power to survive the nomadic lifestyle or succumb to death. Those that survives the ordeal become far stronger, more cunning than the nest goblins. That's the popular interpretation of hob.

 

[Rhaps]

Hobgoblin= @Rhaps
Goblin= serial killer

Nah according to my friends, I'm an XQC type goblin.

 

[LORD_SHAXX]

Goblin?

 

[TheEldritchGod]

They're orange.
Goblins are green.

 

[Alfir]

Hobgoblins are the shortened version of Hobo Goblins, they are most commonly seen on the streets alone and far away from their family. The Hobo Goblins are not as dangerous as normal goblins if you don't pay them any attention. If you are attacked by a Hobo Goblin, make sure to contact the authorities and ask for help. If the Hobo Goblin is the slasher-variant, make sure you run fast and call 911. If the Hobo Goblin threatens you with a knife and asks for your wallet, you better give up your wallet, because your life is more important.
-said probably by a clerk from the Adventurer Association about Goblins in modern times.

 

[TotallyHuman]

Hello!!!! So I would like to ask whether you guys believe that a hobgoblin is significantly different from the stereotypical goblin shown in fantasy novels or do you simply see them as larger versions of the stereotypical goblins of fantasy novels?

usually they have no permanent residency or job

 

[wimbledon]

Goblin?

 

[Lloyd]

They are bigger

 

[LORD_SHAXX]

 

[BearlyAlive]

Another species for the list of "Species D&D irredeemably destroyed from Folklore"...

They got turned from fairy folk to hentai-fuel's neglected middle child.

 

[ElliePorter]

They are more taller and more stronger than the average goblin...

 

[Tyranomaster]

 

[TsumiHokiro]

Another species for the list of "Species D&D irredeemably destroyed from Folklore"...

They got turned from fairy folk to hentai-fuel's neglected middle child.

The Japanese added the hentai, not D&D.

As far as I know, in D&D, it's Orcs, not goblins, who reproduce with others, and it's not like shown in Adult entertainment seems to show like as well... that's adult's entertainment fault.

 

[Jemini]

Actually, while he's called the Goblin King in the movie, I think this here is probably the most accurate portrayal of a proper classical hobgoblin in modern pop culture. (Modern being a relative term, of course.)

EDIT: And also, it's that nightmare-fuel called "Wizard of Oz 2: Return to Oz," that has the single most accurate portrayal of gnomes in the movies. About the only thing wrong about the gnome wreaking all the havoc in Oz 2 is his physical size. Other than that, the fact he's so freaking powerful and able to do all the things he does fits right in with the classical lore about gnomes. They were earth spirits, and really powerful ones.