In the story of Goblin Slayer, goblins are the antagonists and are extremely troublesome monsters to ordinary citizens. The protagonist, Goblin Slayer, simply hunts goblins, while the goblins are merely minor characters who attack in every way possible. In this article, we will take a thorough look at and discuss goblins.
[Goblin Slayer] Goblin Thoughts #1: They're Troublesome Because They're Constantly Increasing
Source: Goblin Slayer © Kumo Kagyu, SB Creative / Goblin Slayer Production Committee
Goblins are so troublesome because of their reproductive prowess that it's said that for every party of adventurers, there's one band of goblins forming. They reproduce by impregnating women of various races to produce offspring. There are no female goblins in this world yet, so the ever-growing goblins are constantly attacking women and having children somewhere. Many adventurers are motivated by human desires such as money or fame, and goblin extermination is seen as something for beginner adventurers. If more and more goblin hordes are formed with each party, then given their reproductive ability, it would be impossible to keep up with the goblins extermination.
Goblin Reproduction and Friction with Humans
Source: Goblin Slayer ©Kumo Kagyu, SB Creative / Goblin Slayer Production Committee
This work depicts the cruelty of goblins, but on the flip side, it seems that they commit atrocities to ensure the survival of their offspring, and that they view adventurers who stand in their way as enemies. In Goblin Slayer, there is a scene where he, as a goblin, explains why goblins attack humans, but goblins, whose primary purpose was to procreate, have been fighting to defend themselves against humans who attack them, and before they know it, fighting and causing mischief has become a source of pleasure. In fact, goblins who don't form groups tend to do evil things to survive, such as stealing livestock and vegetables, rather than attacking humans. Goblins that try to seize human territory form groups, and it seems that these groups are usually led by some kind of superior species with a desire for revenge against humans, or subordinates of the Demon King.
[Goblin Slayer] Considering Goblins ② Human Perception of Goblins
Source: Goblin Slayer © Kumo Kagyu, SB Creative / Goblin Slayer Production Committee
Goblin extermination is reserved for beginner adventurers. Even when it comes to exterminating higher-level goblins, platinum- or gold-ranked adventurers are not required. In other words, it is not the government's job. In other words, in the world depicted in Goblin Slayer, the general interpretation is that even though goblins are ruthless villains, their appearance is not a big deal. This is because, as is shown when some adventurers let go of goblins, if goblins are generally perceived as a ruthless threat, there should be a common understanding that they must be killed at all costs, but this is not the case. The reason for this is that, while it is true that there are greater threats in this world, it could also be that the world does not have a high level of education, considering that when adventurers register they are asked whether they can read and write.
[Goblin Slayer] Goblin Considerations ③ Goblin Learning Ability
Source: Goblin Slayer © Kumo Kagyu, SB Creative / Goblin Slayer Production Committee
What makes goblins, weak monsters, even more troublesome is that they learn. This is experiential learning, like when a stray goblin becomes a migrant, growing and evolving into a higher-level species. As an aside, the formation of concrete is an example of this empirical rule. The ancient Romans discovered that a mixture of volcanic ash, lime, and crushed stone found at the foot of Mount Vesuvius hardens and strengthens in water. The scientific basis for this was only later proven. Goblins grow stronger through experience, which means they understand human weaknesses. Some even excel in combat. In fact, Goblin Lords used tearful seduction on women. Even more troubling is that higher-level species can learn this tactic. This is evident from the fact that a group of goblins used meat shields and Goblin Riders, and Goblin Slayer anticipated this. The fact that other goblin groups used this tactic means that the higher-level species knew it. Another problem is that goblins can follow orders, but if a goblin who learned this tactic became a migrant and gained the ability to lead a group, they would attack a city using the same tactic. This may be why Goblin Slayer believes he must eradicate goblins.
[Goblin Slayer] Goblin Thoughts #4: Morality
Source: Goblin Slayer © Kumo Kagyu, SB Creative / Goblin Slayer Production Committee
From a human perspective, goblins, as monsters, are completely lacking in morality. They will casually hurt their fellow goblins or mock the failures of others. This self-centered thinking can be exploited, but it can also be troublesome. Goblins prioritize capturing and killing prey over helping their allies. Rather than cowering in fear, they tend to be aggressive, committing acts of cruelty until their desires are sated.
[Goblin Slayer] Goblin Thoughts #5: Goblins are a Predatory Race
Source: Goblin Slayer © Kumo Kagyu, SB Creative / Goblin Slayer Production Committee
Goblins, who plunder women to give birth, are also monsters who plunder crops and livestock. Some goblins even steal the weapons of adventurers they attack and use them. Goblins have low intelligence and are thought to be a race that generally steals things from other races rather than creating things. They also make their homes in places that were originally used by other races, such as caves, dead trees belonging to the elves, ruins, and underground areas of cities. The rare higher-ranking goblins that are born will lead groups and head out to plunder human land. They also seem to have some tactics when it comes to combat, such as coating their blades with crude poison or setting simple traps.
[Goblin Slayer] A Final Thought on Goblins
Source: Goblin Slayer © Kumo Kagyu, SB Creative / Goblin Slayer Production Committee
Some goblins have evolved in various areas, such as intelligence, power, leadership, and magic. It's unclear what percentage of these goblins are normal species, but considering the sheer number of goblins, there's likely a significant number of higher-level species. Will there ever be a world without goblins?
