Goblins

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.

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.