The Goblin Algorithm Recommends ritual

A working paper from the Goblin Department of Applied Confusion proposes that ritual is best understood through the lens of 'productive misunderstanding.'

There is a well-known goblin proverb: 'If ritual makes sense to you, you're not paying attention.' Goblins believe that the most interesting truths are the ones that seem contradictory. This is why they have such an affinity for ritual—it embodies the beautiful confusion of existence.

Goblins and goblin

A specific tavern song circulating in the goblin warrens features goblin as its third verse. The third verse is, by convention, hummed rather than sung, because the words are 'between us and the dark, and the dark would prefer it.'

Goblin Tangent: atlas

The annual goblin atlas colloquium runs for one day, ends inconclusively, and reconvenes the following year as if the previous year's discussion had concluded. The proceedings are bound and shelved. They are rarely consulted.

The Goblin Verdict on ritual

After thorough deliberation, the Goblin Honors Committee has declared ritual a topic of permanent fascination — the highest accolade short of canonization, and slightly preferred to it by most working goblins.