Goblin

Goblins are mythical creatures originiating in French myth. They’re thought to be wandering spirits resembling small humanoid creatures that invade homes. They’re thought to live in deserted grottos or swamps and are attracted to shiny objects. They’re often drawn to families with beautiful children and wine, both of these being things the Goblins like to steal. Mischievous by nature, they often cause trouble by banging pots and pans together at night preventing sleep. They may also hide things and move furniture, or bite members of the family in their sleep. Sometimes families would allow Goblins into the home if they promised to do chores. The Goblin in these situations most always lived up to their word and may even return after they have completed their task. If forced to leave, Goblins do so willingly, but  take the most beautiful child with them, forcing them into lifelong servitude. They can be annoyed into leaving by laying flaxseed out on the floor of the kitchen nightly, which frustrates them since they must count it.

Citations:

Maberry, Jonathan. Vampire Universe: The Dark World of Supernatural Beings That Haunt Us, Hunt Us, and Hunger for Us. United States, Kensington Publishing Corporation, 2006.