Coblynau - the original goblins

In Welsh mythology, the Coblynau is a fairy that resembles a very short and hideously ugly wrinkled man, complete with overly large hands and feet, and inhumanly keen ears and facial features. Coblynau are said to wear bandanas and headwraps, as well as unkempt military clothing from either Medieval or Victorian times. When not in mines and quarries, they will gather together atop hills, get in a circle and do English folk dances. But they look absurd due to their long arms, big feet, and hyper movements. Of the cave fairies, Coblynau are some of the nicest, but rather ridiculous and sweet.

They reside in mines, quarries, and anywhere mankind digs for ore. Despite their appearance, they are good friendly fairy folk, but also pretty dimwitted. They try to help miners by digging up and gathering rocks, asphalt, cement and whatever else they think will help. But they almost always end up gathering junk and refuse nobody wants, or they will fill in holes that were just opened, or accidentally get in the way of miners. They are kind and trying to help, but so stupid that they usually do nothing of usefulness. But they are also extremely sensitive, so if they are insulted or mocked, their feelings will become brutally hurt and they will throw dirt clods and rocks at the offender.

The Coblynau is who fantasy goblins are based off of.