Troll

Origins and Old Norse Mythology

The Troll is one of the most iconic and enduring creatures of Northern European folklore. The origins of the word “troll” in Old Norse are somewhat ambiguous; it was originally used as a generic term for various supernatural, malevolent beings, often used interchangeably with jötunn (the giants who were the enemies of the gods), þurs (monsters), or even witches and magicians performing dark magic (trolldom).

In the earliest Norse sagas and Eddas, trolls were essentially synonymous with the giants. They lived in Jötunheimr or the harsh, mountainous regions bordering Midgard (the human world). They were chaotic, destructive forces of nature that the thunder god Thor constantly battled to protect gods and humans alike.

Appearance and Attributes

As Norse mythology evolved into later Scandinavian folklore (particularly in Norway and Sweden), the image of the Troll became more distinct, though it still varied widely based on the region. Trolls are generally divided into two main categories:

1. The Mountain/Forest Trolls (Bergtroll/Skogstroll): These are the massive, iconic trolls of fairy tales. They are typically depicted as gigantic, incredibly strong, and very old. They are slow-witted, often described as having huge noses, shaggy hair, and sometimes multiple heads or tails. They are deeply connected to the earth, sometimes appearing to have trees or moss growing directly out of their skin and rock-like features.
2. The Hidden Folk (Huldrefolk/Tusse): In other traditions, especially in southern Scandinavia, trolls are smaller, more human-like, and live in organized societies underground or inside burial mounds. They are known for their craftsmanship, hoarding gold, and being far more cunning than their giant counterparts.

Regardless of their size, trolls are almost universally characterized by their isolation from human civilization. They detest the sound of church bells, the smell of Christian blood, and the expansion of farmlands into their territories.

Sunlight and Stone

The most famous and defining weakness of the Troll is its vulnerability to sunlight. According to widespread folklore, if a troll is caught outside its cave when the sun rises, the first rays of light will instantly turn it to solid stone.

This belief was used to explain the existence of massive, oddly shaped boulders and rock formations scattered across the Scandinavian landscape (such as the famous Trolltunga or “Troll’s Tongue” rock formation in Norway, or the Trold-Tindterne peaks).

Trolls were also famously afraid of lightning, a remnant of the ancient pagan belief that Thor, the god of thunder, was their ultimate destroyer. During severe thunderstorms, trolls were believed to hide deep within their mountain strongholds to avoid his hammer, Mjölnir.

Tales of Trolls

Scandinavian folklore is filled with tales of humans interacting with trolls, often involving:

• The Three Billy Goats Gruff: The classic Norwegian fairy tale (De tre bukkene Bruse) where a terrifying, greedy troll lives under a bridge and threatens to eat anyone who crosses, only to be defeated by the largest billy goat.
• Changeling Myth: Trolls were deeply feared for their alleged habit of stealing unbaptized human babies and replacing them with their own ugly, ravenous offspring (a changeling or bortbyting).
• Riddles and Trickery: Because mountain trolls were typically dim-witted, heroes in folktales often defeated them not with strength, but by outsmarting them in riddle contests or tricking them into staying out until sunrise (as famously done in J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit).

Cultural Legacy and Symbolism

The Troll is deeply ingrained in modern fantasy and pop culture, largely due to its foundational role in folklore.

• Literature: J.R.R. Tolkien popularized the modern fantasy troll in The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, drawing heavily on Scandinavian folklore (including the sunlight weakness). Trolls also feature prominently in the Harry Potter series and Terry Pratchett’s Discworld novels.
• Art: The iconic illustrations of Swedish artist John Bauer in the early 20th century cemented the modern image of the Troll: massive, mossy, big-nosed creatures interacting with tiny, blonde children in dark, mysterious forests.
• Internet Slang: The term “internet troll” is derived from a different source (the fishing technique of “trolling”), but the association with the mythological creature—a nasty, disruptive entity lurking in the dark to cause trouble—has strongly reinforced the modern usage of the word.