Troll

What it is

A troll is a figure from Nordic folklore and Norse mythology. Early sources describe these beings as dwelling in isolated mountains, rocks, or caves. They often live in small family groups and are rarely helpful to people. Later traditions define them as separate entities that stay far from human settlements. Their appearance varies widely. Some are ugly and slow-witted, while others look exactly like humans. They are generally considered dangerous to those who encounter them.

Where it comes from

The word likely comes from the Proto-Germanic noun *trullan, meaning to tread or step on. The Old Norse terms troll and trǫll meant fiend, demon, or jötunn. Middle High German also used similar words for fiends. Scholars debate the exact origin. Some link it to spirits of the dead. Others suggest it describes nature beings. The term may have started as a general label for supernatural creatures that should be avoided rather than worshipped.

What it is for

Trolls serve as figures of fear and wonder in stories. They represent the unknown dangers of the wild landscape. Encounters with them often involve kidnapping or attacks on farms. In later tales, they explain natural features. Stones or landmarks are said to be trolls turned to stone by sunlight. Lightning is believed to frighten them away. Church bells are also thought to drive them out of certain areas.

Who does it

Scholars study trolls through ancient texts and folktales. Researchers analyze how the term evolved from mythology to folklore. They compare trolls to other beings like jötnar or þurs. Some theories suggest trolls originated from interactions between humans and Neanderthals. Artists and writers continue to reinterpret the creature in modern media and literature.

Peoples and places

Trolls appear throughout Scandinavia. In Norway, they are linked to the Huldrefolk, or hidden-folk. Denmark records troldfolk and bjergtrolde. Orkney and Shetland use the word trow for similar beings. These regional variations show different sizes and behaviors. Some are small and human-like. Others are tall and menacing. The distinction between larger trolls and smaller hidden-folk persists in local stories.

What people believe

In Norse mythology, trolls are associated with jötnar. They are lords of nature or magical beings. Later folklore views them as non-Christian entities. This lack of faith makes them outsiders and threats. They are seen as all-purpose otherworldly beings. Similar to fairies in other cultures, they inhabit the natural world. Their presence explains why certain places feel untamed or dangerous.

How scholars and sceptics see it

Academics debate the classification of trolls. Lotte Motz suggested they were once distinct classes of nature lords. Ármann Jakobson rejects this, noting the term covers many types of beings. John Lindow compares them to Grendel from Beowulf. He notes both stories focus on driving the creature off. Researchers also explore the etymology and potential links to extinct human species.

Compare and confuse

Trolls are often confused with jötnar, þurs, and risi. These terms overlap in Old Norse texts. Trolls are also compared to Anglo-Celtic fairies. Both are nature beings that interact with humans. The Huldrefolk in Norway share traits with trolls but are distinct. The word trow in Orkney resembles the Norwegian hidden-folk.

Today

Trolls feature heavily in modern popular culture. They appear in fantasy novels and role-playing games. Troll dolls became popular toys in the 1950s. Animated movies and films continue to use the theme. Artists create sculptures based on folklore descriptions. The creature remains a recognizable symbol of Nordic heritage in global media.

Questions people ask about Troll

Good reading and sources

• Encyclopaedia BritannicaArticle

• Troll on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos and video
• Wikidata recordOpen data