Northern mythology

;
APPENDIX. 253
We have still a class of subordinate beings to consider,
viz. the domestic sprites or Goblins (Kobolde). Numerous
as are the traditions concerning these beings, there
seems great reason to conclude that the belief
in them, in
its present form, did not exist in the time of heathenism
but that other ideas must have given occasion to its development.
The ancient mythologic system has in fact no
place for domestic sprites and goblins. Nevertheless, we
believe that by tracing up through popular tradition, we
shall discern forms, which at a later period were comprised
under the name of Kobolds ^
The domestic sprites bear a manifest resemblance to the
dwarfs.
Their figure and clothing are represented as perfectly
similar; they evince the same love of occupation,
the same kind, though sometimes evil, nature. We have
already seen that the dwarfs interest themselves in the
prosperity of a family ^, and in this respect the Kobolds
may be partially considered as dwarfs, who, for the sake of
taking care of the family, fix their abode in the house.
In the Netherlands the dwarfs are called Kaboutermannekens,
that is, Kobolds^.
The domestic sprite is satisfied with a small remuneration,
as a hat, a red cloak, and party-coloured coat with
tingling bells. Hat and cloak he has in common with the
dwarfs ^.
It may probably have been a belief that the deceased
members of a family tarried after death in the house as
guardian and succouring spirits, and as
such, a veneration
might have been paid them like that of the Romans to
their lares.
It has been already shown that in the heathen
times the departed were highly honoured and revered, and
we shall presently exemplify the belief that the dead cleave
1 Miiller, p. 381. According to the Swedish popular beUef, the domestic
sprite had his usual abode in a tree near the house.
2 See p. 11. 3 Miiller, p. 382.
•*
Grimm, D. M. p. 479.