In Norse mythology and Scandinavian folklore, a troll is a supernatural being, often depicted as a giant or a small, cave-dwelling creature, known for its association with mountains, forests, and a general hostility toward humans and Christianity. The term “troll” originally referred to any giant or monstrous being, but over time it evolved to describe a variety of creatures, from the colossal jotnar (giants) to the smaller, mischievous trolls of later folk tales.
Origins and Etymology
The word “troll” comes from Old Norse troll, which meant “giant” or “demon.” In the Poetic Edda and the Prose Edda, the two main sources of Norse mythology, the term is used interchangeably with jötunn (giant) to describe the enemies of the gods. For example, in the Völuspá (a poem in the Poetic Edda), trolls are mentioned alongside giants as forces of chaos. Over time, as Christianity spread through Scandinavia, the meaning of “troll” shifted. In medieval sagas and later folklore, trolls became more distinct from the mythological giants, taking on the form of solitary, often stupid, cave-dwelling beings who turned to stone in sunlight and could smell the blood of Christian men.
Trolls in Norse Mythology
In the mythological texts, trolls are often synonymous with giants (jötnar). These beings are the primordial adversaries of the gods, representing the untamed forces of nature. Some of the most famous giants in Norse mythology include:
- Ymir – the primordial giant from whose body the world was created, according to the Prose Edda.
- Thrym – a giant who stole Thor’s hammer Mjölnir, as told in the poem Þrymskviða.
- Skadi – a giantess who married the god Njord, though their marriage was strained.
- Utgard-Loki – a giant who tricked Thor and his companions in the Prose Edda.
These giants were not always evil; some had complex relationships with the gods, but they were generally seen as a threat to the cosmic order. The gods, especially Thor, were constantly fighting them to protect Midgard (the human world).
Trolls in Scandinavian Folklore
After the Christianization of Scandinavia, trolls in folklore became less like the mythological giants and more like the trolls we recognize today. These folk trolls are typically:
- Solitary or living in small family groups – they often live in mountains, caves, or under bridges.
- Dangerous to humans – they may kidnap people, steal livestock, or eat travelers.
- Turned to stone by sunlight – a common motif in later tales, where a troll caught outside at dawn becomes a rock.
- Stupid and easily tricked – many stories involve a clever human outwitting a troll, such as the famous tale of “The Three Billy Goats Gruff” (though this is a Norwegian folk tale, not a myth).
These trolls were used in folklore to explain natural features like large boulders or oddly shaped hills, which were said to be trolls turned to stone. They also served as cautionary figures, warning children not to wander into the forest alone.
Types of Trolls
Scandinavian folklore distinguishes several types of trolls, though the lines are often blurred:
- Mountain Trolls (Bergtroll) – the most common type, living inside mountains and hoarding treasure.
- Forest Trolls (Skogstroll) – dwell in deep woods, often described as having a single eye or multiple heads.
- Water Trolls – some tales mention trolls living near water, though these are rarer and often confused with other creatures like the näcken (a water spirit).
- Giant Trolls (Jötunn) – the mythological giants, often conflated with trolls in later texts.
- Dwarf-like Trolls – in some regions, trolls are described as small, ugly, and living underground, similar to dwarves.
The diversity of troll types reflects the oral nature of folklore, where each community had its own version of these creatures.
Trolls in Modern Culture
Trolls have become a staple of modern fantasy literature, films, and games, but these depictions often differ significantly from the original myths. In J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit, trolls are large, stupid, and turn to stone in sunlight—a direct borrowing from Scandinavian folklore. In tabletop games like Dungeons & Dragons, trolls are regenerating monsters, a trait that comes from a misinterpretation of Norse myths. The internet “troll”—a person who posts inflammatory messages—is a metaphorical extension of the creature’s unpleasant behavior, but it has no basis in mythology.
Modern portrayals often romanticize trolls as magical creatures, but in the original folklore, they were genuinely dangerous. They were not friendly or cute; they were the “other”—beings that represented the wild, untamed parts of the world that humans feared.
Common Misconceptions
One common misconception is that trolls are always giants. While the original Norse troll could mean giant, by the Middle Ages, trolls were often described as small, grotesque beings. Another misconception is that trolls have a fixed appearance. In reality, their appearance varies widely: some have one eye, some have three heads, some are beautiful on one side and ugly on the other (as in the tale of the troll woman in Hálfdanar saga Brönufóstra). There is no single “correct” troll.
Another myth (which is actually a myth about trolls) is that they cannot stand the sound of church bells. This is a later Christian addition to the folklore, reflecting the idea that trolls were demons who fled from holy sounds. In older tales, trolls were simply afraid of thunder, which was Thor’s weapon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are trolls real?
No, trolls are mythical creatures from Norse and Scandinavian folklore. They were believed in historically as supernatural beings, but there is no evidence of their existence.
What is the difference between a troll and a giant?
In Norse mythology, the terms are often used interchangeably, but in later folklore, giants (jötnar) are usually larger and more powerful, while trolls are smaller, less intelligent, and more numerous. The distinction is not always clear, and regional variations exist.
Do trolls turn to stone in sunlight?
This is a common motif in Scandinavian folklore, especially in tales from Norway and Sweden. However, it is not universal; in some stories, trolls simply burst or flee when exposed to daylight. The stone-turning motif became more popular in modern adaptations.
Are trolls evil?
In mythology and folklore, trolls are generally hostile to humans, but they are not necessarily “evil” in a moral sense. They are chaotic, dangerous beings that follow their own nature. Some trolls in folk tales are even helpful, though this is rare.
What is a “troll” in internet slang?
The internet troll is a person who deliberately posts provocative or offensive messages to upset others. The term is borrowed from the mythological creature, but it has no connection to the original folklore beyond the connotation of being unpleasant and disruptive.
Conclusion
Trolls are a rich and varied part of Norse and Scandinavian mythology, evolving from the fearsome giants of the Eddas to the bumbling, stone-turning creatures of later folklore. Their legacy lives on in modern fantasy and language, but the original trolls were far more complex and terrifying than the friendly characters seen in some children’s media. Understanding the true origins of trolls gives us a deeper appreciation for the cultures that created them and the natural world that inspired their stories.
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