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Goblins were a smaller sub-species of Orc that resided in the Misty Mountains in northern Middle-earth.
History[]
Early History[]
Nobody in Middle-earth knew exactly where Goblins originated from but their vicious and cunning nature gave them a reputation throughout the lands. They were not often known to take prisoners, often just killing their enemies who ventured near their lairs.[1]
They were known to live in the Misty Mountains in caves. At some point a large horde of Goblins founded Goblin-town which became one of their largest cities.[1]
Goblins fought in wars against the Elves and against the Dwarves, helping inspire the creation of Elven-weapons that glow when Goblins and Orcs are present.[1]
Some Goblins were under the kingship of Golfimbul before he was killed during battle with Bandobras Took allegedly.[2]
Third Age[]
During Thorin Oakenshield's quest to Erebor they were under the command of the Goblin King, who was killed by Gandalf.[2]
The Goblins scattered after the death of their master and some of them rallied and joined the army of Dol Guldur as Goblin Mercenaries and fought in the Battle of the Five Armies.[3]
It is possible that some Goblins resided further south in the Misty Mountains as far as Moria, although the Moria Orcs had become Goblin-like in nature by the time of the War of the Ring due to their confinement in the mines and were often called Goblins.[1]
Description[]
Goblins were hunched and about the size of a Hobbit, although there were some larger such as the Goblin King.[1]
Skills and Abilities[]
Goblins are skilled at tunnelling and mining. Due to their extended time in the dark, they have developed excellent vision in the darkness over time. They are also fast climbers, being able to climb walls quickly and surround any intruders into their cities and caves.[1]
Behind the Scenes[]
The designers of the Goblin Mercenaries explain they designed the armour to mirror that of the Moria Goblins which they consider a relative of the Mountain Goblins.[4]
Appearances[]
The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (First appearance)- The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies
- The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies: The Movie Storybook (mentioned only)
Non-canon[]
- The Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth II
- LEGO The Hobbit: The Video Game
Sources[]
Reference List[]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey: The World of Hobbits
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey - In the films, Goblins are clearly seen as separate from Orcs in contrast to Tolkien's work where they are one and the same. When Gandalf uses the word Goblin, it is assumed that Golfimbul was indeed a Goblin.
- ↑ The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies
- ↑ The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies Chronicles: The Art of War