Goblins are mythical creatures that are often depicted in folklore and other fantasy literature.

Although they are known for their mischievous behavior, grotesque appearance, and mysterious nature, one question that doesn’t seem to have a clear answer is how tall they are.

This article aims to explore various sources and interpretations to give a comprehensive view of the height of these fascinating creatures.

Origins of the Goblin

Before discussing the goblin’s height, we must first understand its origin.

Goblins first appeared in European folklore, where they were described as small, mischievous, and greedy creatures.

They often served as antagonists in fairy tales, with their mischief causing trouble for anybody else in the story.

Classic Folklore

In classic folklore, goblins were typically described as small, even diminutive.

However, usually no specific height was given, which resulted in a variety of interpretations.

The vagueness in size allowed storytellers to mold goblins to fit various narratives within the story.

Literature

In literature, the depiction of goblins has seen significant variation.

For example, the renowned fantasy author J.R.R. Tolkien described goblins as shorter than men but taller than hobbits.

This places them roughly around 3-4 feet tall.

However, this interpretation is not universally accepted.

TV & Movies

In the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling, goblins are depicted as intelligent beings running the wizarding bank, Gringotts.

They stand at a height of around 3 to 4 feet, with distinct features such as long fingers and large, pointed ears.

Similarly, in the “Spiderwick Chronicles”, goblins are depicted as small creatures, standing around 1-2 feet tall.

Video Games

In the realm of gaming, the depiction of a goblin’s height remains as varied as in folklore and literature.

Dungeons & Dragons, a popular role-playing game, describes goblins as small humanoids, usually about 3-4 feet tall, aligning with Tolkien’s interpretation.

Conversely, in the World of Warcraft, goblins are depicted as one of the smallest playable races, averaging about the same height as dwarves, typically under 4 feet tall.