Besides faeries, there are several types of fascinating, mystical creatures that are incorporated within Shakespearean plays. In some of the plays, the mystical creatures play a significant role; in others, they are not as important. Some examples of these creatures are: goblins, gnomes, elves, dwarves, and trolls.
Goblins
Goblins are known to be the ugliest subgroup of the faerie category. This is because of the goblins' bulky gray and black hair that covers a large portion of their bodies; the dark colored garments that they wear; and the unattractive cap resembling that of a gnome. All of this, along with the common hideous face makes the creatures appearance even worse. The average height of goblins is about 30 centimeters.
Goblins are rarely the protagonist in stories. Goblins tend to lack good morals, along with a positive attitude. Most of these creatures are extremely lazy, as well as disobedient to their superiors. They tend to be attracted to trouble and enjoy reinforcing it.
Generally, goblins are known for pulling several pranks and causing mischief. Goblins enjoy performing small, yet significant pranks that make others question themselves. For example, goblins may rearrange or change the order of certain things, such as furniture. On the other hand, several dangerous pranks are also pulled by these creatures.
Elves
Along with goblins, elves also play a major role in medieval literature. One example of this is Midsummer Night's Dream. In this form of literature, the king of elves is usually referred to as Oberon; the queen is referred to as Titania. Over time, elves grow to look similar to humans. Even from the beginning of their existence, elves were very mysterious creatures.
The common height of elves varies between 4'10" to 5'8". When first looking at an elf, it is hard to distinguish whether the elf is male or female. Male elves do not have any facial hair. Both genders have very large, expressive eyes that vary in color. Usually, their hair is never cut, and their bodies are very fragile. The standard characteristics of elves include high cheek bones along with pointed ears.
Elves are classified as either dark elves or light elves. Each kind has different characteristics. For example, light elves have "star-like eyes, faces brighter than the sun, and golden colored hair."(1) On the other hand, dark elves tend to have dark, black eyes with some exceptions with fluorescent eyes, which indicated that the elf has currently handled dark magic. However, both types of elves are considered as a much more attractive species than other dark faeries.
Elves are known to have much more intense powers than human, including sight and hearing. Elves are also stronger in spirit and contain a better endurance. Unlike humans, as elves age, their powers become much more intense. In addition, they are "highly resistant to extremes of temperatures and also have several natural defenses against magical influences." (1) Along with these powers, elves have much longer life spans than the average human. Depending on which tribe an elf is from, the life span varies from 100 to 1000 years. Elves do not view death as a bad thing, but as a return to nature.
Trolls
Along with Goblins and elves, trolls are another type of dark faeries. Trolls can have several different appearances. For example, some trolls may contain three heads, while other trolls may only have one eye. In separate situations, trolls are described differently.
However, trolls do have similar characteristics as well, such as
shaggy hair, and peculiar substances growing on their heads or noses
that are very much like moss. Resembling to the life span of elves,
trolls live for hundreds of years as well. Trolls also have special
powers that include forecasting the future. Furthermore, trolls are
able to transform themselves into another figure or being as well as
containing a superhuman force.
The common troll's foes consist of other faeries and most wild
animals. Part of this is due to the fact that trolls are carnivores.
Another interesting trait of trolls is that they are nocturnal.
Comparable to other dark faeries, trolls frequently play tricks on
other creatures; however, the tricks are not as elaborate. Trolls are
very large creatures that can only be vanquished through contact with sunlight, which would normally either turn the troll into stone or make the creature explode.
DwarvesThe appearance of a dwarf typically consists of a long beard and the impression of old age; this is probably for the reason that dwarves reach adulthood or the beginning of maturity at the age of three. Dwarves are also very short in height. The dwarves' signature talent is their brilliance and natural talent and knowledge in metalwork. Dwarves are paid very large amounts for their precious work in gold or other enchanted treasures. Dwarves and trolls are very similar in the way that they both turn into stone when they are exposed to sunlight.
Gnomes
Gnomes are the smallest creatures of the dark faeries. The height of a common gnome is 15 centimeters. The average weight of a male gnome is about 300 grams while the average weight for a female gnome is 250-275 grams. The gnomes' signature clothing item is their tall hat, which is almost always worn. As a result to male gnomes being the guardian of almost all animals, animals are their major allies. Besides their divergence towards trolls, gnomes are quite peaceful creatures.
Surprisingly, the speed, strength, and agility of gnomes greatly contradict their size. For example, the strength of the average gnome is seven times that of a human. Gnomes can also run an astounding 35 miles per hour. As well as those useful aspects, this creature's
vision is better than a hawk. One way that gnomes are similar to many humans is that they both share a true love for gems. Gnomes are considered to be the most skilled and naturally talented gem cutters in the world.
By: Tiana R.
