Story Summary
Discover the legend of The Kobold, a German house spirit who brings luck to the home. Learn why respect and a bowl of porridge are keys to keeping this spirit.
In the shadow of a rustic German farmhouse lived a Kobold, a small spirit who remained invisible to most but whose presence was felt in every corner. For years, the master of the house lived by a simple rule: every evening, a bowl of fresh porridge with a pat of butter must be placed on the hearth. In exchange, the Kobold worked tirelessly, grooming the horses until their coats shone and ensuring the pantry never ran dry. However, a skeptical new farmhand decided the ritual was foolish. One night, he ate the porridge himself and filled the bowl with cold dishwater. The reaction was swift. By morning, the milk had soured, the horses were tangled in their stalls, and the farmhand found himself waking up in the middle of the manure pile. The master quickly apologized with a double portion of cream, but the Kobold’s trust was fractured. While he stayed, he remained a capricious shadow, a constant reminder that those who help in silence deserve the loudest respect.
The Moral
Respect and gratitude should be shown to those who work behind the scenes to support us.
“A helper’s kindness must never be met with mockery.”
Fun Fact
The chemical element Cobalt is named after the Kobold because medieval miners blamed the spirit for the presence of poisonous ores that looked like silver but were useless to them.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the moral of The Kobold?
The story teaches that we must honor and respect those who provide quiet, unseen help. Failing to show gratitude to our benefactors can lead to the loss of their support and unwanted consequences.
What exactly is a Kobold in German folklore?
A Kobold is a type of sprite or domestic spirit that can inhabit houses, mines, or ships. While they are often helpful, they are known to be temperamental and prone to mischief if offended.
Are Kobolds considered good or evil creatures?
Kobolds are generally seen as ambivalent or neutral spirits. They are beneficial and protective when treated well but become spiteful and destructive if they are mocked or neglected.
Why is porridge significant in Kobold legends?
In many German tales, a bowl of porridge or bread and milk is the traditional payment for a house spirit's labor. It symbolizes the homeowner's acknowledgment and respect for the spirit's help.
What is the origin of the word Kobold?
The name comes from the Middle High German words 'kobe' (meaning room or hut) and 'holt' (meaning spirit), essentially translating to 'the soul of the house.'
How did miners view Kobolds differently from farmers?
While house Kobolds were helpful domestic spirits, mine Kobolds were often seen as more dangerous. They were believed to cause cave-ins or replace valuable silver with worthless minerals like cobalt.