Discworld (Terry Pratchett) - Goblins

In Terry Pratchett's Discworld series, goblins are introduced prominently in the novels Snuff (2011) and Raising Steam (2013). Discworld goblins are an oppressed, marginalized species living in caves and garbage dumps, feared and reviled by humans who consider them vermin. Pratchett subverts the traditional goblin stereotype through Commander Sam Vimes of the Ankh-Morpork City Watch, who discovers that goblins have a sophisticated culture, complex language, and unique talents—particularly an extraordinary sense of smell and a gift for metalworking that rivals dwarves. The goblins of Discworld are intelligent, misunderstood creatures who have been driven to the edges of society by prejudice. Their re-evaluation in the novels is a pointed commentary on racism, classism, and how societies dehumanize (or de-goblin-ize) marginalized groups. Pratchett's goblins represent one of the most thoughtful and humanistic takes on the goblin archetype in fantasy literature, transforming them from simple monsters into a metaphor for oppressed peoples.