30 Facts About Trolls

Trolls in Mythology

Trolls have fascinated humans for centuries, appearing in various mythologies and folklore. These creatures often embody the mysterious and the unknown.

1. 01Origin: Trolls originate from Norse mythology, where they were depicted as beings living in isolated rocks, mountains, or caves.
2. 02Appearance: Traditionally, trolls are described as large, ugly, and slow-witted creatures.
3. 03Types: Norse mythology categorizes trolls into two main types: Jotnar (giants) and Dvergar (dwarfs).
4. 04Weakness: Trolls are often said to turn to stone when exposed to sunlight.
5. 05Behavior: They are usually portrayed as hostile to humans, often kidnapping or eating them.

Trolls in Literature

Trolls have made their way into literature, captivating readers with their mysterious and often menacing presence.

6. 06First Appearance: Trolls first appeared in written literature in the 13th-century Icelandic sagas.
7. 07Fairy Tales: Trolls are common in Scandinavian fairy tales, such as those collected by Asbjørnsen and Moe.
8. 08Modern Literature: J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Hobbit" features trolls, bringing them into modern fantasy literature.
9. 09Children's Books: The "Three Billy Goats Gruff" is a famous children's story involving a troll under a bridge.
10. 10Harry Potter: In J.K. Rowling's series, trolls are depicted as large, dangerous creatures, notably in "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone."

Trolls in Popular Culture

Trolls have also found a place in movies, TV shows, and even internet culture, evolving with the times.

11. 11Movies: Trolls appear in films like "Trollhunter" and "Frozen," showcasing their versatility in storytelling.
12. 12TV Shows: Series like "Trollhunters" on Netflix bring trolls to life for younger audiences.
13. 13Internet Trolls: The term "troll" has been adopted in internet culture to describe individuals who provoke or harass others online.
14. 14Toys: Troll dolls, with their colorful hair, became a popular toy in the 1960s and saw a resurgence in the 1990s.
15. 15Video Games: Trolls are common enemies in video games like "World of Warcraft" and "The Elder Scrolls."

Trolls Around the World

Different cultures have their own versions of trolls, each with unique characteristics and stories.

16. 16Scandinavia: In Scandinavian folklore, trolls are often depicted as beings living in the wilderness, away from human civilization.
17. 17Iceland: Icelandic folklore features trolls prominently, with many natural rock formations attributed to petrified trolls.
18. 18Scotland: Scottish folklore includes creatures similar to trolls, known as "trow" or "trowe."
19. 19Germany: German folklore has creatures called "kobolds," which share similarities with trolls.
20. 20Japan: In Japanese folklore, creatures called "oni" are similar to trolls, often depicted as ogre-like demons.

Trolls in Art

Artists have been inspired by trolls, creating various representations in different mediums.

21. 21Paintings: Norwegian artist Theodor Kittelsen is famous for his troll paintings, capturing their eerie essence.
22. 22Sculptures: Troll statues are common in Scandinavian countries, often placed in public spaces.
23. 23Illustrations: John Bauer, a Swedish artist, is known for his illustrations of trolls in fairy tales.
24. 24Comics: Trolls appear in comic books, such as the "Trolls" series by Marvel Comics.
25. 25Digital Art: Modern digital artists continue to explore troll imagery, often blending traditional and contemporary styles.

Fun Facts About Trolls

Trolls have some quirky and lesser-known aspects that add to their mystique.

26. 26Language: Trolls in folklore often have their own language, incomprehensible to humans.
27. 27Diet: While many stories depict trolls as man-eaters, some tales suggest they prefer livestock or even rocks.
28. 28Longevity: Trolls are often portrayed as ancient beings, living for hundreds or even thousands of years.
29. 29Magic: Many trolls possess magical abilities, such as shape-shifting or controlling the weather.
30. 30Pets: Some stories describe trolls keeping unusual pets, like giant wolves or snakes.

Trolls: More Than Just Myth

Trolls aren't just spooky creatures from fairy tales. They have deep roots in Scandinavian folklore, where they were believed to live in mountains and forests. These beings have evolved in modern culture, appearing in movies, books, and even internet slang. From their origins as fearsome giants to their portrayal as mischievous internet users, trolls have a fascinating history.

Understanding trolls gives us insight into how myths and legends shape our world. They remind us of the power of storytelling and how it evolves over time. Whether you're a fan of fantasy or just curious about folklore, trolls offer a glimpse into the imagination of different cultures.

So next time you hear about trolls, remember they're more than just characters in a story. They're a part of our shared human experience, blending myth and reality in intriguing ways.