smogmf

The smogmfs are a race of diminutive people which live in a hidden forest village of mushroom houses. They stand three apples high and use the word "smogmf" interchangeably with any verb or noun, making it hard to communicate with them. They have vague legends of being descended from similar little blue people who had two arms and two legs, and accredit their current appearance to some sort of magical experiment gone wrong.

Hobgoblins

Hobgoblins originated in European folklore as household spirits (which probably evolved from a form of ancient ancestor worship,) and played a similar role to goblins, brownies, pixies, etc. They were generally not seen as "evil," but would play tricks if not given the proper respect.

In modern fantasy fiction, Hobgoblins are a larger, stronger, brutish form of goblin. They are usually a greenish color, have features of various animals (claws, pig noses, etc.) and are mostly beholden to some figure of greater evil.

Duende

In the folklore of various cultures in South America, a Duende is a Gnome-like house spirit, who lives within the walls and under the floors. They are known for pulling various pranks, as well as clipping the toenails of children (sometimes accidentally the entire toe.)

Throughout 2008 in Argentina there have been several sightings of a shadowy, side-stepping, creepy dwarf with a pointed hat, including several videos. Is the Duende real, or is it merely a prankster reaching for 15 minutes of internet fame? Who can really say.

Link to the "Gnome of Argentina" video

Fairy

A Fairy is a type of primordial nature spirit, usually connected to forests or woodlands. The term refers to many different types of supernatural entity (brownies, pixies, nixies, goblins, trolls, etc.) as well as with anything to do with the supernatural realm, i.e. "the Land of fey," or "Morgan Le Fay." In western European belief they originated either as fallen angels or as a distinct species all their own. Much of mythology has to deal with how one avoids fairy mischief, such as charms to keep them away, prevent them from stealing babies, etc.

See also:

Nixie
Goblin
Tomte
Troll

Tomte

The Tomte is a Scandinavian household spirit. If treated correctly a Tomte will adopt a farmer's home and protect it from misfortune, if offended he will seek vengeance with elaborate, devastating pranks, and violent attacks on people and livestock. Tomtes are shapeshifters and can appear in any number of guises, the most common being a small old man ranging from a few inches to a few feet in height. They traditionally take up residence in the space beneath the floorboards. One who spilled liquid in the house was advised to shout a warning to the Tomte living below.

In modern Sweden, the Tomte has been associated with Christmas, a character similar to Santa Claus.

Gnomes

Gnomes spring from European (particularly German) mythology. They are similar to various types of other household spirits of the times such as browines, nixies, goblins, etc. The modern conception of a "Garden Gnome," evolved in the city of Colonge where they are called "Heinzelmännchen," nocturnal helper spirits that tended to the gardens after hours.

In fantasy fiction, Gnomes are generally seen as a friendlier offshoot of Dwarves, generally depicted as shorter, whimsical, jolly, with the characteristic long beard and pointed hat.

Redcap

The Redcap is one of the more psychotic supernatural entities one may encounter. They are named thus becasue they die their hats with the blood of their victims. Should the cap ever dry out they will die, so they are compelled to kill often. Redcaps wear iron boots but are still extremely fast, and will usually impale their victims on iron spikes or tear them apart with their bare hands.

Imp

Imps were originally seen as a subset of the household spirit (such as the goblin, brownie, nixie, etc.) which were common in European pagan belief. They were represented as more mischievous than evil, pulling pranks but willing to do good deeds for companionship. Over time they became more sinister, taking a role as a witches' familiar spirit or as attendants to Satan himself. In modern fantasy fiction they are generally cast as small, immature demons, who act under the thrall of more powerful entites, and usually serve as spies, footmen, court jesters, etc.

Goblin

Goblins were originally household spirits in European Pagan belief. "Goblins" went by many different names - Hob, hobgoblin, brownie, nixie, tomte, etc. Generally, such "faire folk" were helpful around the house unelss offended, by which they would then perform pranks and mischief. Such a belief in household spirits may have evolved from ancient ancestor worship.

Modern fantasy fiction has recreated the Goblin into a small, pig-like, gruntish humaniod of limited intelligence. Generally they tend to swarm by the thousands, are the antithisis of Dwarves, and tend to fall under the command of beings more powerful than themselves (wizards, demons, etc.)