Race: Human (Southern)
Sex: Male
Faction: Black Company
Alignment: Chaotic Neutral
Arena Status: Active (S1)
Goblin, a character as mysterious as he is entertaining, stands as one of the most enigmatic figures in Glen Cook's "The Black Company" series.
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| Goblin by De-Prime, Deviant Art |
Goblin is one of the two main wizards within the Black Company, along with his ever-rival One-Eye. The origins of his name are never explicitly stated in the novels, but his impish personality gives some indication. Though often engaged in childish bickering with One-Eye, the two wizards are close friends, and their antics provide comic relief within the otherwise dark narrative.
His appearance, described in "The Black Company" as, "a stunted, bowlegged relic, ugly as sin" (Book 1, Chapter 3), does not do justice to his extraordinary magical prowess. But it's his personality that truly stands out; he is witty, cunning, and known for his mischievous sense of humor.
Goblin's magical abilities are crucial to the Black Company's success in numerous battles and campaigns. His expertise ranges from combat magic to healing, though he's particularly adept at illusionary magic. In "Shadows Linger," he disguises himself and One-Eye to infiltrate Juniper, demonstrating his prowess in illusion. The series is filled with instances where Goblin's magic, coupled with his intelligence, is pivotal to victory.
Major Plot Points [SPOILERS AHEAD]
The Black Company (Book 1): Goblin's introductory role establishes him as an essential wizard within the Black Company. His magic and tactical acumen play key roles in the battles against the Rebel. Shadows Linger (Book 2): Goblin and One-Eye's venture into Juniper marks one of the most intense plotlines, where their magical abilities are stretched to the limit. The White Rose (Book 3): Goblin's continuing role in the battle against the Dominator strengthens his importance in the Company. The Silver Spike (Book 4): He is instrumental in the pursuit of the silver spike, showcasing not only his magical prowess but also his unshakable loyalty. Water Sleeps (Book 9): Goblin's character undergoes significant change after he becomes possessed. His transformation from an ally to an adversary adds complexity to the character. Soldiers Live (Book 10): Goblin's fate culminates in a tragic and yet fitting conclusion, providing closure to his role within the series.
Goblin's relationship with other characters, especially One-Eye, adds depth to his characterization. The ongoing rivalry between Goblin and One-Eye manifests in comical ways, but underneath the banter, there's a deep connection between the two. His relationship with Croaker, the Company's physician and annalist, also reflects Goblin's loyalty and complexity.
Goblin's character stands out for its complexity, humor, and depth within the dark and gritty world of the Black Company. His actions, interactions, and evolution paint a multifaceted picture, giving readers not just a glimpse into the mystique of a fantasy wizard but also a nuanced human figure with flaws, virtues, and unbreakable bonds.
From his memorable introduction: "Goblin, less than five feet tall, looked like a goblin." (Book 1, Chapter 1), to his impactful roles in battles and schemes, Goblin is a character that engages readers on various levels. His presence enriches the narrative, adding dimensions of comedy, loyalty, and betrayal. As an embodiment of paradoxes, he is both enigmatic and familiar, both entertaining and profound.
Goblin's character is not merely a supporting role within the Black Company universe. He's a driving force, a symbol of both the light and darkness that pervades the world Glen Cook has masterfully created. The magic he wields is not only a plot device but a reflection of his personality – versatile, unpredictable, and endlessly intriguing. His story is emblematic of the themes that run through "The Black Company," making him a character worth exploring, understanding, and celebrating.
Goblin's Raw Power
Goblin, a wizard from Glen Cook's "The Black Company" series, is a character whose raw power is often misunderstood. His magical abilities, while not always flashy or overwhelming, are potent and varied. Though he doesn't often engage in direct magical duels, his power should not be underestimated.
The original rating of 7.5 perhaps considered his overall competence as a wizard, including his ability to use magic for various purposes like illusions, concealment, or even direct attack when necessary. His repertoire is vast, and he has shown the ability to adapt his magical techniques to different situations.
However, when considering "raw power" as defined by sheer magical strength and combat capabilities, Goblin's rating might need to be adjusted. His true strength lies in his cunning and ability to use magic creatively rather than pure magical force.
In "Water Sleeps," it's mentioned: "Goblin was never about raw strength; he was about timing, finesse, and subtlety" (Chapter 3). This statement provides insight into Goblin's approach to magic, prioritizing cleverness over brute force.
After reevaluating Goblin's abilities and the specific definition of "raw power," a more fitting rating might be 6. This rating still acknowledges his competence and potency as a wizard but also takes into account his preference for guile and strategy over sheer force. He is certainly above average compared to many fantasy characters but might fall short when compared to those whose primary trait is raw magical power.
The decrease from 7.5 to 6 reflects this nuanced understanding of Goblin's abilities, recognizing that while his magic is effective and versatile, his raw power might not be as high as initially rated. His unique approach to magic is what makes him a compelling character, but it doesn't necessarily translate into a top-tier rating for raw power specifically.
Goblin's Tactical Ability
Goblin's tactical abilities are prominently showcased throughout Glen Cook's "The Black Company" series. Though not a character renowned for his commanding presence on the battlefield, Goblin's magic, cunning, and adaptability often provide the Black Company with tactical advantages in many complex situations.
One striking example of Goblin's tactical prowess can be found in "Dreams of Steel," where he and his magical partner, One-Eye, set up an elaborate series of traps and illusions to harass and mislead enemies. Goblin's ability to use his magical skills in tactical ways, such as creating distractions and luring foes into ambushes, reveals a keen understanding of battlefield dynamics.
A particularly memorable instance occurs in "Shadows Linger," where Goblin ingeniously utilizes his magic to camouflage and mislead foes, making himself appear as a rock. This strategic use of illusions showcases his aptitude in using his abilities not just for direct combat but for subterfuge and misdirection.
However, it's also worth noting that Goblin's tactics often rely on his specific magical skill set, and he's not typically depicted as a military strategist. While his contributions are significant, they are generally more specific to situations where his magical abilities can be applied.
Taking these factors into account, it might be appropriate to reevaluate Goblin's rating in this category. The original rating of 4 may have undersold his potential in tactical scenarios, focusing too narrowly on his role as a conventional military planner. If we broaden our understanding to include his unique application of magic in tactical situations, a rating of 6 might be more fitting.
This adjusted rating recognizes Goblin's creative and effective use of magic in a tactical context, without overstating his role as a traditional battlefield tactician. He is adept at leveraging his magical abilities for strategic purposes, but these tactics are usually specific to situations where his particular skills can be utilized. Therefore, while he shows above-average tactical ability, especially when compared to many fantasy characters, his approach is not universally applicable, hence the rating of 6.
Goblin's Influence
Goblin from "The Black Company" series by Glen Cook is a complex character whose influence, as defined by leadership, charisma, manipulation, or ability to sway others, warrants careful examination. While he is not typically depicted as a charismatic or inspiring leader, his influence is still felt within the Black Company and in specific situations.
Goblin's magic gives him a unique means to manipulate and control situations. His magical prowess, while primarily used for tactical advantages, also allows him to influence others indirectly.
Goblin's interactions with other members of the Black Company, especially his rival One-Eye, reveal a nuanced understanding of how to use humor, teasing, and competition to bond with and influence his peers. Their constant magical one-upmanship adds an element of influence as they try to outdo each other.
Goblin's influence is somewhat limited by his lack of a significant leadership role within the Company. While he has the trust and respect of his comrades, his influence is more often localized and situational rather than broad and sweeping.
A defining characteristic of Goblin's influence is his cunning and trickery. He's not above using deception and magical manipulation to achieve his goals. This can be seen in "Shadows Linger," where he uses illusions to gain an advantage.
Goblin doesn't display the charismatic leadership that would generally typify a highly influential character. His influence is more subtle and often relies on magic, wit, or deception rather than inspiring or persuading large groups of people.
Considering these aspects, Goblin's original influence rating of 3 may warrant reconsideration. While he lacks the traditional leadership and charisma that usually defines a highly influential character, his unique application of magic, relationship dynamics, and cunning does allow him to exert influence in specific contexts.
The previously assigned rating of 3 seems to overlook some of the nuanced ways Goblin exerts influence. An adjusted rating of 4.5 might be more appropriate, acknowledging his influence within his immediate circle and his ability to manipulate situations without overstating his ability to sway large groups or fill a prominent leadership role. This reflects a more complex understanding of influence and how Goblin's particular brand of magic, humor, and cunning allows him to exert control and influence in ways that are unconventional but still noteworthy within the broader spectrum of fantasy characters.
Goblin's Resilience
Goblin from Glen Cook's "The Black Company" is a character whose resilience is frequently tested through the series' numerous battles and moral dilemmas. Let's consider the various facets of his resilience in the context of the given definition.
Throughout the series, Goblin endures physical hardships, from grueling marches to direct combat. In "Shadows Linger," his physical endurance is evident as he battles alongside the Company. His ability to rebound from magical duels and conflicts is impressive. His rivalries, particularly with One-Eye, showcase his tenacity in magical confrontations. A quote that aptly demonstrates this is, "Goblin and One-Eye were up to their usual. Neither ever gave in, nor did they ever go all out." (from "The Black Company").
Goblin's experience with loss, war, and ethical challenges gives him a robust emotional foundation. He continues to function and contribute to the Company, maintaining his humor and cunning even in dire situations. The Black Company's world is tumultuous and constantly changing, and Goblin adapts well to these shifts. His adaptability could be seen as a form of resilience, as he doesn't become paralyzed by new challenges. It's worth noting that Goblin's resilience does have its limits. There are instances where he struggles to recover quickly from setbacks, possibly hinting at a certain vulnerability.
Taking these factors into consideration, the original rating of 6 for Goblin's resilience appears well-grounded. While he demonstrates a commendable capacity for enduring physical, magical, and emotional trials, and adaptability in a changing environment, there's still room for growth in his ability to recover from certain setbacks.
However, when comparing Goblin with all fantasy characters across all universes, his resilience is commendable but not extraordinary. Therefore, a slight adjustment to a rating of 5.5 might be more accurate. This change takes into account his evident resilience, but also acknowledges that within the broader spectrum of fantasy characters, others may display even more profound abilities to recover from setbacks, injuries, or defeats.
The story of Goblin is one filled with survival, adaptability, and determination, making his resilience a defining character trait, but also a trait that has room for further depth and complexity.
Goblin's Versatility
Versatility is a cornerstone of Goblin's character in "The Black Company" series by Glen Cook. Goblin's ability to adapt and display a multitude of skills sets him apart, and his adeptness in multiple areas supports his characterization as an incredibly versatile figure. Goblin's magical prowess extends across a wide range of abilities. From illusions to more offensive spells, his skill set is diverse. His famous rivalries with One-Eye often showcase their magical ingenuity. A quote encapsulating this is from "Shadows Linger": "One-Eye and Goblin were at it again, no holds barred, within limits."
Alongside his magical capabilities, Goblin's strategic thinking adds to his adaptability. He's involved in planning and executing various military tactics throughout the series, demonstrating an understanding of not only magical warfare but also traditional combat strategy. Goblin's ability to navigate the complex social dynamics within the Company and the broader world hints at his versatility in emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills. His humor, cleverness, and even ability to manipulate at times reveal a multi-dimensional character. Whether in battle, espionage, or morally ambiguous situations, Goblin manages to adapt and find ways to contribute. His ability to function in different settings and roles highlights his extreme versatility.
Given these facets of Goblin's character, the original rating of 8 in versatility appears justified. His wide-ranging skills and adaptability in various situations put him among the highly versatile characters in the realm of fantasy literature. Keeping the rating at 8 acknowledges this, without elevating him to the level of characters with near-unlimited adaptability and skill range that might be found in other universes.
In comparing Goblin's versatility to other fantasy characters across all universes, it's clear that he possesses a rich variety of powers and skills that enable him to adapt to different challenges. Yet, while his versatility is a defining trait, it may not be unparalleled in the broader scope of fantasy literature. Thus, an 8 rating represents a well-balanced assessment, recognizing his substantial versatility without overstating it.
Goblin's Alignment
Goblin, a character from "The Black Company" series by Glen Cook, stands out as an intriguing figure in the fantasy universe. A practitioner of magic, his skills range from illusion to stealth, though not on a world-altering scale. He's known for his adaptability and resilience, though he falls short in influence and tactical brilliance. With a unique blend of strengths and weaknesses, Goblin has a distinct place in the story, displaying human-like limitations coupled with a blend of charm and mysterious magical prowess.
Goblin's behavior leans towards the Chaotic side. His actions are often unpredictable, driven by personal whims and a desire for mischief rather than adherence to a strict code or the pursuit of order. His rivalry with fellow wizard One-Eye and their subsequent magical duels highlight his chaotic nature.
Goblin's alignment in terms of morality is best described as Neutral. He is not bound by a strong moral compass pointing him towards good, nor is he inherently evil. His actions are often guided by personal interest or loyalty to the Black Company, and he can show both compassion and ruthlessness when required.
The intersection of these two parameters places Goblin in the Chaotic Neutral alignment, which fittingly describes a character driven by individualism, freedom, and personal interest, unbound by rigid moral or legal codes. His alignment encapsulates his unpredictable nature and intricate moral fabric. Pride and Prophecy keeps an updated character alignment matrix across all planes of existence.
Goblin Arena Art
Goblin's Trophy Case
PPET Rankings
| Season | Rank |
|---|---|
| 1 (2023-2024) | #70 (of 107) |
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