A troll is a being in Nordic folklore, including Norse mythology. In Old Norse sources, beings described as trolls dwell in isolated areas of rocks, mountains, or caves, live together in small family units, and are rarely helpful to human beings. Explore the terrifying world of trolls in Norse folklore! Discover their legends, types, and enduring impact on culture.
Uncover the mysteries today! How much do you really know about trolls in Norway? Far more than a tacky figurine lined up on a gift shop shelf, Norwegian trolls are steeped in mythology. Learn about the mythical creatures of Norse trolls, their possible origins, characteristics and appearances in Scandinavian history and culture. Discover how trolls are depicted in sagas, poetry, art and modern media.
Trolls are a fascinating part of Norse mythology. In this article I am exploring their Viking Age roots and evolution through time. Trolls date back all the way to ancient Norse and Viking culture, appearing in the oldest definitive text on Norse culture, the Prose Edda.
Still the evolution of the Troll, as a recognizable species, is confusing. Kittelsen's trolls are grotesque and creepy-beautiful, inspired by northern and eastern Norway's landscape. Kittelsen's interpretation of trolls has long been seen as the standard for what Norwegian trolls "actually look like".
Kittelsen was a distinctly literary visual artist, and wrote texts both within and accompanying his artwork. Learn about the different kinds of Norse trolls, from the quintessential forest and mountain dwellers to the smaller and more beautiful huldra and nisse. Discover how trolls evolved from ancient myths to modern fantasy and internet slang.
The Origins of Troll Myths in Norway The story of Norwegian trolls begins in the misty realms of Norse mythology, a rich and ancient source of tales and legends that have shaped Scandinavian culture. Norse mythology, with its pantheon of gods, giants, and magical creatures, provides the earliest glimpses into the existence of trolls. Troll, in early Scandinavian folklore, giant, monstrous being, sometimes possessing magic powers.
Hostile to men, trolls lived in castles and haunted the surrounding districts after dark. If exposed to sunlight they burst or turned to stone. In later tales trolls often are man.