European Goblins

We know remarkably little about how Mrs. Rowling envisioned goblins in this universe. We know they are not precisely the same as ‘traditional’ mythological goblins, that is they are not beings of nearly pure evil. Beyond that, we quickly find ourselves speculating.

Goblin Rebellions

We know that goblins did rebel, a number of times.¹

Gringotts and Currency

We know that they (goblins) “retained” control in 1865 following that rebellion.[^260422-1] We do not know when they gained control, why they did so, or why someone (for example, the Ministry) does not simply open a competing bank or issue a competing currency. We do not, for that matter, know why a unique currency rather than muggle currency, is used at all.

Mines and Mining

We know that Gringotts uses tunnels extensively. We do not know if that is because goblins have any relationship to mines or mining outside of Gringotts. Do they live in their tunnels? Is their control over mining why they also control the currency?

Contracts and Wills

Does Gringotts do anything except provide vaults? Do goblins play any larger role in society beyond being the custodians of wealth? We have no direct indication of this. The only hint of it is in the way Harry is warned by Bill to be very careful about the wording of any agreement he makes with a goblin.²

Metal Working

Honestly, this sounds to me more like dwarves than it does like a goblin, but the books tell us that goblins are known for making ‘goblin silver’ and for the quality of their overall craftsmanship.³

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Chapter 24. Bloomsbury. 2007.