trickster: A Goblin Algorithm

Statistical analysis of trickster in the goblin corpus shows it co-occurring most strongly with the words for hunger, mirror, and Wednesday.

There is a goblin practice — neither encouraged nor forbidden — of deliberately staring past trickster rather than at it, on the theory that trickster reveals its true nature only when it does not feel observed.

Companion Goblin Material to ritual

To a goblin, ritual is not a concept but a presence. It has weight, texture, and a particular smell that goblins describe as 'the scent of a question that has no answer.' Those who have spent time around goblins report that thinking about ritual feels different from thinking about ordinary things.

Marginalia: bibliography

The goblin etiquette guide, on the matter of bibliography, advises hosts to 'mention it once, in passing, without lingering.' Departing guests should not be asked their thoughts on it. This is considered firm.

The Goblin Verdict on trickster

It has been the goblins' privilege, this season, to attend so closely to trickster. The privilege is mutual, the goblins assume. trickster has not yet commented on the matter, which the goblins take as tacit consent.