Also called Coblyn, Welsh mine goblins.
The tale
The coblynau are little mine spirits of Wales, about eighteen inches tall and dressed like miners. They are heard knocking deep in the mines and seem to work hard, though they never produce anything. Their knocking was said to guide miners to good veins of ore. They throw stones if mocked, but the stones do no harm.
When they are met
- whenever working underground
- on visits to old mines
Staying on their good side
- never mock them
- leave a scrap of food
- respect the mine
Honouring them, or keeping safe
- Visit a Welsh mining heritage site and remember the miners and their families.
- Take care in any dangerous work, and look out for those who work beside you.
What their tales teach
- the tales teach respect in dangerous work
- luck in labour
Symbols
- the knock
- the tiny pick
- the lamp
Sources
- Sikes, British Goblins
More Celtic folklore
- The Banshee The keening woman of the fairy mound
- Selkies The seal folk who come ashore
- The Púca The shape-shifter of November
- The Aos Sí The people of the fairy mounds
- The Kelpie The water horse of the lochs
- The Tylwyth Teg The Fair Family of Wales
- Leprechaun The solitary fairy shoemaker
- Clurichaun The fairy of the wine cellar