A Guide to Goblincore
I grew up in a rural suburb of Pittsburgh, playing in the woods, searching creeks for salamanders, and generally playing in the dirt. My dad, an avid runner, loves to collect discarded items he finds on his runs, and neither of us is too embarrassed to pick things up off the ground. So I was basically born to be a goblin.
While I’ve referred to myself as a goblin for years (in both an endearing and self-deprecating way), the actual term Goblincore is new to me. But finding it made me feel accepted and free to express myself.
History & Goblins in Modern Culture
In folklore, goblins date back to the 14th century. The myths span several countries, from Scotland to Germany, often depicted as mischievous, greedy, and generally ill-behaved.
Before we go any further, we need to address a serious issue: anti-Semitism. The term “goblin” has been used against Jewish people, including in Nazi propaganda.
The most notable and recent disgraceful depiction of goblins is in Harry Potter. Unfortunately, the long-nosed, greedy bankers in the Potter-sphere are precisely the kind of stereotype that gives goblins a lousy name.
There are arguments for and against the term goblin in modern times. Pro-goblins urge we can reclaim the word, while others think we should simply rename the aesthetic. Alternative names for Goblincore are Dirtcore, Mosscore, and Gremlincore.
I personally resonate with the word goblin (which, being a child of the 80s, is probably because of the movie The Labyrinth). If you decide to use “goblin,” please be aware of the word’s history and don’t use it to prop up any harmful stereotypes. We like to collect “shinies,” but we don’t hoard gold.
Goblincore as an aesthetic jumped in popularity in 2020, a dirt-stained counter to the frilly white aprons of cottagecore. In addition, communities for goblins on Reddit and discord have skyrocketed in membership in the last couple of years.
Tenets of the Aesthetic
Goblins generally embrace the “ugly” or under-appreciated parts of nature. Bugs, moths, snails, frogs, dirt, rocks, moss, gnarled trees, foggy atmospheres, etc. And mushrooms, of course.
Goblincore is inclusive and welcoming to the LGBTQ+ community, especially non-binary people. You’re free to choose in goblincore, which defies traditional gender roles and challenges conventional definitions of beauty.
Whereas cottage core focuses on delicate dresses with a hyper-feminine appeal, goblincore allows for masculine elements, encouraging blending the two. As a result, it feels more free, unbound from the confines of gender-specific rules.
The goblin aesthetic is a bit chaotic, haphazard even. Fashion-wise, it’s characterized by oversized button-down shirts, jumpers, overalls, dresses, pinafores, flannel shirts, etc. It bears a practical whimsy with a dash of grunge.
Many goblins collect rocks and other small trinkets as they traverse the land. My favorite find is a vintage aluminum serving dish engraved with a sailboat, which I found poking out of a muddy hillside.
I love collecting pretty stones, snail shells, and leaves. Although I don’t keep them forever, bringing them home to admire brings a cozy, feral satisfaction.
How to Become a Goblin
The easiest way to embrace goblinhood is to go outside! Touch the earth, look for slugs or mushrooms, admire the moss.
Gobbies are resourceful, so repurpose and reuse with reckless abandon. For example, clean out your sauce jars and fill them with dried flowers. You can use sand or dirt to weigh your jars down and use them as decor or bookends.
Fashion-wise, don’t worry about being perfect. Simply wearing earth tones will do. You can wear jeans or dresses, sneakers or boots. Lots of great goblincore clothing can be found second-hand or handmade by goblin artists.
Goblin home decor (apart from bones and nature trinkets) features natural materials like wood or glass. But, again, repurposing or buying second-hand is highly recommended here!
For example, I made two aquarium stands into tables by adding wooden tops and shelves.
Goblincore is a fun, messy aesthetic. So take it, run with it, but above all, follow your mossy, froggy heart.
Thanks for reading <3
Let me know your thoughts in the comments below! Do you want more goblin advice, like how to display your dried flowers, bundling herbs, or mending clothes? I’d love to know!
4 comments
I must also be a goblin, starting in my childhood running around in the woods, bringing home bits of wood and stones. I absolutely love moss!
Yes, I think you are!😊
I had never heard of this subject before. You such a clever goblin! Hope I used the term correctly. Remember all the hikes in Ohio Pyle with Grandma? Fondly remember all the little baggies she filled with things from the woods. xo
Yes you did! I sure do remember. She would wear her coat with the big pockets to hide them! The more I learn about yinz the more I realize we are a family of goblins! Xo