The Truth About Norway's Mythical Trolls: FAQs Answered

The Truth About Norway's Mythical Trolls: FAQs Answered

Have you ever wondered about those mythical creatures, trolls, that populate Scandinavian folklore? Maybe you've caught a glimpse of them in movies or TV shows and want to know the truth behind the legends. Well, you've come to the right place. This article will give you the lowdown on trolls, those fascinating fabled figures of Nordic mythology. We'll explore where trolls came from, the different kinds that populate Norwegian fairy tales, why they turn to stone in the sunlight and frequently asked questions about these fantastical figures. By the end, you'll be a troll expert and ready to catch all the references in the 2022 movie Troll. So sit back, grab a mug of hot cocoa, and let's dive into the world of Norway's mythical trolls.

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What Are Trolls? Mythical Creatures of Norse Folklore

So what exactly are these mysterious trolls you keep hearing about? Let's get to the bottom of these mythical Nordic creatures.

Trolls are fantastical beings from Norse mythology with human-like features. They were believed to inhabit isolated mountains, caves, or underground dwellings. Trolls were typically depicted as dim-witted, slow-moving, and at times mischievous. Their origins trace back to pre-Christian Norse folklore, where they were connected to spirits of the land.

There were many types of trolls in legends, like the woodland trolls who guarded forests, or the mountain trolls who turned to stone if sunlight touched them. Icelandic trolls tended to be more sinister while Norwegian trolls were often friendlier, though still dangerous if provoked. People used to believe that trolls ventured out at night since sunlight would transform them into stone.

FAQs about Trolls:

Are trolls real? No, trolls were mythical creatures in Norse mythology and folklore. They were not real beings.
Why did trolls turn to stone in sunlight? In the stories, trolls were creatures of darkness and sunlight was lethal to them. The sunlight motif was a metaphor for the triumph of Christianity over paganism.
Do trolls still exist today? Trolls continue to capture public imagination and appear in modern books, movies, TV shows, and games. The 2022 movie 'Troll' brought these legends back to the big screen. Though mythical, trolls remain an important part of Nordic cultural heritage.
Where did trolls live? Trolls were believed to inhabit mountains, forests, caves, and underground. They were connected to natural landscapes in Norse mythology.
What did trolls eat? Trolls were thought to eat almost anything, including fish, livestock, and even humans. They were often depicted as dim-witted and ravenous creatures.

The Origins of Trolls in Norse Mythology

Trolls originate from Norse mythology, dating back to the Viking era. These mythical creatures were thought to inhabit mountains, forests and isolated places. Trolls were generally depicted as dim-witted, ugly and mischievous beings.

According to legend, trolls were turned to stone if exposed to sunlight. They would come out at night to cause trouble, steal livestock or food, or harass travelers. Some tales describe trolls as man-eating beasts. Other stories portray them as more human-like, living together in small family units.

There were different types of trolls, including mountain trolls, forest trolls, and cave trolls. Trolls in Iceland were said to be more gigantic in size, while trolls in Norway were often described as smaller and more humanoid. People used to believe trolls were responsible for unexplained phenomena, missing objects or spoiling harvests.

FAQs about Trolls:

Where did the word 'troll' originate? The word 'troll' comes from Old Norse 'troll', meaning 'fiend' or 'giant'. The word first appeared in English texts in the 16th century.
What did trolls look like? Trolls were often depicted as ugly, dim-witted creatures with exaggerated features like long noses, ears and hair. However, trolls came in many shapes and sizes in the tales.

Different Types of Trolls: Mountain Trolls, Forest Trolls and Cave Trolls

Mountain Trolls

The largest and most dangerous trolls are the mountain trolls. They stand over 15 meters tall and live in the snow-capped peaks of Norway’s mountains. Mountain trolls are solitary beasts and tend to avoid contact with humans. However, they are extremely territorial and quick to anger. Their roar alone can trigger avalanches, and a single stomp of their foot has been known to cause rockslides. Most mountain trolls remain in the highest, most inaccessible parts of the mountains. Occasionally, though, hungry trolls will descend into valleys in search of food, wreaking havoc on any farms or villages they encounter.

Forest Trolls

Smaller but more mischievous are the forest trolls. Standing 3 to 6 meters tall, forest trolls inhabit dense woodlands, emerging from the thick undergrowth only at night. They are masters of illusion and use their magical powers to confuse travelers, often leading them off well-trodden paths into treacherous marshes or thickets. Unlike the reclusive mountain trolls, forest trolls delight in tormenting humans and will frequently raid remote farms, spooking livestock or making off with tools and trinkets. Their favorite treat is human children, so parents warn their little ones to be home before dark lest the forest trolls snatch them.

Cave Trolls

The smallest trolls are the cave trolls, standing just 1 to 2 meters tall. As their name suggests, cave trolls live in underground caverns and tunnels, venturing out only at night to scavenge for food. Due to their poor eyesight, cave trolls rely on an acute sense of smell to hunt small prey like rabbits, foxes, and badgers. While less openly hostile toward humans than other troll types, cave trolls are opportunistic hunters and will attack a human if the chance arises. Their short stature allows them to sneak into barns, sheds, and even houses where they make off with livestock, tools, gold, and other valuables.

The various types of trolls in Norwegian folklore represent humanity’s age-old fears of the dangers that lurk in the unexplored reaches of the natural world. Whether high up in the icy mountains, deep within tangled forests or below the earth in lightless caves, trolls inhabit the unknown spaces beyond the comforting glow of civilization.

Trolls in Norway vs Trolls in Iceland: Key Differences

Trolls in Norway and Iceland may share some similarities, but there are a few key differences in how they are depicted in the folklore of these Nordic countries.

Appearance

Norwegian trolls are often described as large, dim-witted creatures. They are human-like in appearance but can be taller than trees.
Icelandic trolls, or tröll, tend to be portrayed as more human-sized and intelligent. They are said to live in caves or mountains and some even reside on farms, interfering with the lives of humans.

Behavior

Norwegian trolls are typically antagonistic towards humans and other creatures. They are known for capturing and eating people who wander into their territory.
Icelandic trolls, while mischievous, are less openly hostile. They play pranks on humans and farm animals but rarely physically harm them. Some Icelandic stories even depict friendlier trolls who help humans in need.

Origins

Norwegian trolls stem from Norse mythology and were believed to inhabit the wilderness, emerging at night to cause chaos. They turned to stone if caught by sunlight.
Icelandic trolls originate from a mix of Norse mythology and Icelandic folklore. They were said to inhabit a parallel world to humans, though some lived in the wild or even on family farms.

Types

Common types of Norwegian trolls include mountain trolls (bergtrollet), forest trolls (skogstrollet), and cave trolls (huldretrollet).
Icelandic trolls include álfar (elves), huldufólk (hidden people), and jötnar (giants).

Whether you’re exploring the fjords of Norway or the volcanic landscapes of Iceland, keep an eye out for any signs of these mythical and mischievous creatures! But be warned - while trolls in Norway may be more aggressive, the trolls of Iceland are crafty tricksters. So tread carefully, or you might just find yourself on the receiving end of some Nordic pranks!

Why Sunlight Turns Trolls to Stone: An Ancient Belief

Sunlight and Stone: An Ancient Belief

As the stories go, trolls turn to stone when exposed to sunlight. This myth likely stems from ancient Norse beliefs about the power of the sun. The sun was seen as a symbol of law and order, while trolls represented chaos and discord. When trolls came into contact with sunlight, it restored balance and literally solidified their wild nature.

Over time, this myth evolved into a convenient way to explain the existence of unusual rock formations and natural landmarks. Any strange stone that looked even remotely human-like was attributed to trolls caught in the sun's gaze. This helped rationalize parts of the natural world that seemed fantastical or out of place.

Some of the most famous troll legends are attached to specific sites in Norway and Iceland. For example, Hvitserkur in northwest Iceland is a 15-meter-high sea stack that looks like a petrified troll. Locals claim it was once an actual troll who stayed out too late and was turned to stone at dawn.

Why did sunlight turn trolls to stone? Sunlight represented order, law and balance which were contrary to the chaotic nature of trolls. When exposed to the sun, it restored balance by turning them into stone.
What natural landmarks were attributed to petrified trolls? Unusual rock formations, sea stacks, and other strange stones that looked human-like were thought to be trolls that had been caught in sunlight. This explained fantastical parts of nature.
What are some examples of sites linked to troll legends? Hvitserkur sea stack in Iceland was said to be a troll turned to stone at dawn. Other sites in Norway and Iceland also have troll folklore attached.

While these myths reflected the beliefs of an ancient time, they continue to inspire our imagination today. The idea of trolls frozen in a moment of chaos is a poetic personification of nature's transient beauty. No wonder these legends - and the petrified trolls themselves - have endured.

Do Trolls Exist? Common Myths and Legends

Legends of Troll Existence

Trolls have long captured the imagination of people in Norway and Iceland. For centuries, trolls were believed to inhabit mountains, forests and isolated places. According to folklore, trolls turn to stone when exposed to sunlight. Many rock formations throughout Norway and Iceland are said to actually be petrified trolls.

Some people believed trolls were spirits or magical creatures. Others thought they were mythical beings or a kind of fairy. A few considered them to be a type of dwarf or gnome. The origins of trolls trace back to Norse mythology.
There are many myths about why trolls turn to stone in sunlight. A common story is that trolls only come out at night, and if they stayed outside after sunrise, the sun's rays would petrify them. Some legends say that trolls can only be killed by sunlight.

Real or Imaginary?

No one has proven the existence of trolls. They are mythical creatures belonging to Norwegian and Icelandic folklore and fairy tales. While fun to imagine, most people today accept that trolls are imaginary.
Some people still cling to a belief that trolls may have really existed long ago. A few claim there are descendants of trolls still living in isolated places. However, there is no evidence to substantiate these claims. Trolls are fantasy beings, not real creatures.
The stories of trolls turning to stone are also mythical. Rock formations that look like petrified trolls are natural geological features, not actual trolls turned to stone. They have been given fanciful names and stories have developed around them over time.

In Popular Culture

Trolls have appeared in many books, movies, TV shows, games and other media, especially in Norway, Iceland and other Nordic countries. They continue to capture public imagination.
A popular movie released in 2022 called 'Troll' depicts trolls as dangerous creatures that threaten humans. While entertaining, the movie is fiction - trolls are legendary beings, not real threats! They exist only in folklore, fairy tales and popular culture.

The New Movie ‘Troll’ (2022): Fact or Fiction?

The new fantasy adventure film ‘Troll’ brings the mythical creatures of Nordic folklore to the big screen. But how much of the movie is based on the original legends of trolls? Let’s explore some of the most common questions about these mythical beasts and see how the film measures up.

Are trolls real or fictional?

Trolls originated in Norse mythology and were later incorporated into folk tales throughout Scandinavia. While some believed in the literal existence of trolls, most saw them as mythical creatures. The movie ‘Troll’ brings these legendary beasts to life using CGI and special effects.

What do trolls look like?

Trolls are often depicted as large, ugly humanoids with exaggerated or distorted features. In stories, trolls come in many varieties:

Mountain trolls: Big, slow, and turn to stone in sunlight.
Forest trolls: Small, quick, and more human-like.
Cave trolls: Pale, blind, and live underground.

The movie features massive mountain trolls with blue skin, large noses, and manes of unkempt hair.

Are trolls always evil?

Not necessarily. While often portrayed as dim-witted and antagonistic towards humans, some tales feature kind-hearted trolls. The movie ‘Troll’ presents them as more complex creatures capable of both good and evil.

What do people in Norway think about trolls today?

Most Norwegians today see trolls as fanciful creatures of folklore and fairy tales. However, trolls remain an important part of Norway's cultural heritage and national identity. The popularity of movies like ‘Troll’ shows these mythical beasts continue to capture imaginations worldwide.

While the film ‘Troll’ brings these legends to life on screen, it also takes creative license by modifying or expanding on traditional tales of trolls. But that’s the magic of myths - they continue to evolve and inspire new stories to be told. The mythical troll lives on.

Top Norwegian Troll locations

Some of the most well-known locations in Norway associated with trolls are places where the mythical creatures were said to dwell. Or in some cases, turned to stone.

Dovrefjell Mountains

The Dovrefjell mountain range is home to some of Norway’s most famous trolls, including the Dovregubben. Legend says that Dovregubben was the king of trolls who lived inside the Dovrefjell mountains. He features in many Norwegian fairy tales and folklore. The Dovregubben was said to be an enormous troll, strong as a bear.

Trollstigen Mountain Road

One of Norway’s most scenic drives is the Trollstigen Mountain Road. Its name literally means “the troll's path”. According to legend, the road was built by a troll called Svartebergseter. The road winds its way up steep mountainsides and through 11 hairpin bends. At its summit, there are several hiking trails leading to massive boulders where trolls were rumored to gather.

Trollveggen Cliff

Trollveggen, or Troll Wall, is one of the tallest vertical rock faces in Europe at over 1,000 meters high. Located in Romsdalen Valley, the cliff was said to be a favorite hangout spot for trolls. Some legends say that trolls still inhabit the cliff, emerging at night to roam the countryside. The rock face is a popular spot for base jumping, but trolls were rumored to knock climbers off the wall if they dared scale it.

Other locations

Other places associated with Norway’s trolls include:

Trollheimen Mountains, translated as “Home of the Trolls”
Trollstigen Road, “The Troll's Path”
Trollhatten waterfall, “The Troll's Hat”
Trollkyrka, “The Troll Church” - a rock formation in western Sweden resembling a church
Trolla, a mountain in southern Norway named after a female troll

Trolls clearly left their mark on Norway’s geography, with places named in their honor and legends of their inhabitation continuing to capture imaginations today. Whether real or mythical, trolls remain an integral part of Norway’s cultural heritage.

Conclusion

So there you have it, the truth about Norway's trolls in all their mythical glory. While trolls were once believed to inhabit the mountains and forests, today they mainly exist in folklore and fairy tales. Next time you're enjoying the scenic Norwegian countryside or an epic fantasy film like Troll, keep an eye out for any mysterious creatures lurking about. Though they may have turned to stone, trolls live on in our imaginations and remain an important part of Norway's cultural heritage. Who knows, maybe if you wander deep enough into the ancient forests, you'll find a troll or two still guarding their treasure or causing mischief. But for your own safety, it's probably best to admire them from afar!

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