The Hoblin and the Little Boy
The Hoblin and the Little Boy is a myth used to convine human children to behave themselves. It is believed that hoblins are able to smell if a child has misbehaved and lure them into the forest, where they would then tie the children to a tree and eat them alive. Due to human influence in Eritrea, the tale is now becoming more common in other cultures, with the obvious exception of the hoblins, who have said that the tale is extremely speciest.
Summary
The myth tells the story of a young boy who stole an item of food from the market. As he ran away back to his house on the outskirts of his town, the person selling the food yelled after him that if he refused to return the food, he would face the wrath of the hoblins. Halfway there he smelt even more food on the outskirts of the forest, and followed the scent. There he met a hoblin who offered him more food, which as the boy ate it made him feel sleepy. When the boy woke up he was tied to a tree. The boy called for help, yet the hoblins tore off his limbs and roasted them over a fire, eating them in front of him. They then ate the boy's organs and lower body, and finally ate his brain.
Historical Basis
There were several instances of human children, normally orphans, dissapearing into the forests and not returning, about 30 years after humans reached Eritrea. Two decades later there was a rise in the number of half human half hoblin children. This suggests that whilst many humans left and met hoblins, they were in fact adopted and grew up in hoblin society.
Spread
The myth is often told to children to convince them to behave.
Variations & Mutation
The item of food varies with the location. The item of food is either a fish, egg or a loaf of bread.
Cultural Reception
To humans the myth is a major part of bringing up children. To hoblins the myth is a load of speciest propaganda. To other species the myth is something that humans tell their children, and which may help them to control their own children.
In Art
There are paintings of hoblins eating a human child, as well as a tapestry depicting the events.
Date of First Recording
358, or before.
Date of Setting
35
Telling / Prose
Related Ethnicities
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