Mythical Creatures [EDITING]

Hobgoblin

Depiction of a Hobgoblin.not quite accurate in his appearance, but the setting and situation are quite accurate. (for one thing, Hobgoblins do not have tails or feet like a dog).

A hobgoblin is a mischievous, yet generally benign nature spirit, a sort of miniaturized version of an elf, goblin, or fairy, depending on the folklore involved. Myths and legends about hobgoblins vary widely, with many folklore traditions having their own distinct versions, which can sometimes be a bit confusing. For example, in some legends, hobgoblins are viewed as harmful, while in other traditions, they are supposed to be friendly guides.

The term "hobgoblin" comes from the English "hob," a nature spirit similar to Robin Goodfellow or Puck. The addition of "goblin" is meant to suggest that this version of the nature spirit is outstandingly ugly, as goblins are usually associated with twisted, ugly facial features. In English folklore, hobgoblins are, like Hob himself, generally harmless, but they can make a nuisance of themselves, since they enjoy practical jokes and pranks.

In German legends, the hobgoblin is a more malevolent sprite, who may harass people, lead them down the wrong path, or try to terrorize them. However, German hobgoblins retain the generally diminutive stature of their English counterparts, which is supposed to make them easier to defeat. This is not always the case, though, with some fairy tales describing hobgoblins which literally harry people to death, despite the small size of these legendary creatures.

Hobgoblin is a term typically applied in folktales to describe a friendly but troublesome creature of the Seelie Court. The most commonly known hobgoblin is the character Puck  in Shakespeare's A Midsummer's Night Dream.

Hobgoblins seem to be small, hairy little men who—like their close relative, brownies—are often found within human dwellings, doing odd jobs around the house while the family is lost in sleep. Such chores are typically small deeds, like dusting and ironing. Oftentimes, the only compensation necessary in return for these was food. Attempts to give them clothing would often banish them forever, though whether they take offense to such gifts or are simply too proud to work in new clothes differs from teller to teller. (Erika: "We'll never tell..")

While Brownies are more peaceful creatures, hobgoblins are more fond of practical jokes. They also seem to be able to shape-shift, as seen in one of Puck's monologues in A Midsummer Night's Dream. (Some shape-shift, but most do not). Robin Goodfellow is perhaps the most mischievous and most infamous of all his kind, but many are less antagonizing. However, like all of the fae folk, hobgoblins are easily annoyed. When teased or misused excessively, brownies and hobgoblins become boggarts—creatures whose sole existence is to play tricks and cause trouble for people. They can be mischievous, frightening, and even dangerous, and they are very difficult to get rid of. (Boggarts also tend to punish those who offend them and are often looking for justice.)

NOTE: While in many stories, Brownies, Goblins, Hobgoblins, etc. are described as "small" or even "tiny", In most of the earliest stories and legends these beings (like many Fairies) were actually described as not being that much smaller than humans. it seems as time went on the tales of their "evil" grew LARGER while the tales of their perceived size grew SMALLER. 

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Information from mythology.wikia.com

Image from mythicfiles.com