The Encyclopedia of Arda - an interactive guide to the world of J.R.R. Tolkien
Dates
Goblins or Orcs first appeared soon after the awakening of the Elves; they are apparently still extant
Location
Orcs were found throughout Middle-earth, but those known as 'Goblins' were particularly associated with the Orc-holds of the Misty Mountains
Origins
Obscure, but apparently bred from Elves or Men (see note 2 to the entry for Orcs)
Race
Meaning
Imp in this context probably refers to young Goblins (see text)
Other names
Goblins were also known as Glamhoth, Gorgûn, Orcs, Yrch

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About this entry:

  • Updated 30 August 2025
  • This entry is complete

Goblin-imps

Smaller creatures of Orc-kind

Just a few hours before his fateful encounter with Bilbo Baggins, the creature known as Gollum had donned his magical Ring and wandered into the tunnels of Goblin-town. There Gollum had captured a Goblin-imp - a Goblin small enough for him to successfully subdue - and carried it back to his secret island.

The use of the word 'imp' here is slightly ambiguous, with two possible interpretations. In some uses, it simply describes a short or slight creature (and on that basis, Gollum merely captured a particularly small Goblin). Originally, though, the meaning was more specific, referring to a young person or child. This indeed seems to be Tolkien's intended meaning, because when Gollum later recalls the event, he thinks of the Goblin-imp as a 'nassty young squeaker'.1 Assuming this is correct, then Gollum's unfortunate victim represents the sole record we have of a Goblin child.


Notes

1

The Hobbit 5, Riddles in the Dark

See also...

Imps

Indexes:

About this entry:

  • Updated 30 August 2025
  • This entry is complete

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