Troll

John Bauer 1915

For other uses, see Troll (disambiguation).

A troll is a mythical creature originating in Scandinavian folklore. In Old Norse sources, trolls are described as beings that dwell in isolated rocks, mountains, or caves, live together in small family units, and are rarely helpful to human beings. Later, in Scandinavian folklore, trolls become beings in their own right, where they are often depicted as large, brutish, and dim-witted creatures.

Etymology

The term "troll" is derived from the Old Norse word "troll," which means a giant or demon. The word has cognates in other Germanic languages, such as the Old High German "troll" and the Middle High German "trolle."

Folklore

In Norse mythology, trolls are often associated with the Jotnar, a race of giants who are in opposition to the gods. They are frequently depicted as being in conflict with the Aesir and Vanir, the two main tribes of gods in Norse mythology.

In later Scandinavian folklore, trolls are depicted as living in the wilderness, far from human habitation. They are often described as being extremely old, very strong, but slow and dim-witted. Trolls are also known to turn to stone upon exposure to sunlight, a trait that has been popularized in various modern adaptations.

Modern Depictions

Trolls have been popularized in modern culture through various forms of media, including literature, film, and video games. They are often depicted as large, monstrous creatures that pose a threat to humans. Notable examples include the trolls in J.R.R. Tolkien's The Hobbit and the Harry Potter series.

Related Creatures

Trolls are often compared to other mythical creatures such as ogres, giants, and goblins. Each of these creatures shares similar traits but has distinct characteristics that set them apart in folklore and mythology.

See Also

• Norse mythology
• Jotnar
• Aesir
• Vanir
• Ogre
• Giant
• Goblin