Trolls

Culture and Development

by Joyce McCaffrey

LIS309LEA

May 4,2004

Introduction and History

After telling my first troll tale I developed an interest in learning more about trolls. Specifically, I was interested in their role in history and whether or not there had been a well-developed culture created for these popular humanoids. The research for this project centered on locating information about as many of the cultural universals that I could locate in troll literature. Specifically, I was looking at family, geography, food, clothing, government, religion, transportation, recreation, economics, arts, communication and history. For the sake of the troll culture, I have added magical powers and how to defeat a troll as other areas that are particular to them. Most of these universals were present in the literature that I used for this paper in some form. Some are more developed than others. As with all cultures, the troll culture has changed and progressed over time. The following history section describes some of these changes.

Trolls began with the earth itself. (McKenzie 1994) The first troll was presented by ancient Norse mythology in the following manner. “The first thing in the world was a huge wild frost giant named Ymir. From his feet sprouted the race of trolls. Initially the trolls had six heads and six arms and quickly grew to a monstrous size. Ever since that time, Norway has been inhabited by these giants.” (Eriksen 1983) As the glaciers pulled away and land became visible, trolls arrived in the Nordic countries. They were present before the first human.

As the “nordman”, Men of the North, began to move into troll territory, the trolls moved back into the mountains and deep into the forests so as not to be seen. Rumors of their existence abounded at this time as well as discussions of the great strength and magical powers these creatures possessed. They came to be known as trolls Aka: Trolds (Sweden), Trows, Hill Men, Berg People (Denmark), Rise, Jutul, Tusse, Orcs (Tolkien). (Monstrous)

“The troll race seems to have undergone a period of great diversification shortly after Christianity became widespread in their homelands.”(Asbjornsen and Moe 1960) In the early days of Christianity, it is said that trolls helped in the building of churches. St Olav, the patron saint of Norway, enlisted the help of the troll Skaane, a character in the folktale “The Handshake”, but later drove him and other trolls into hiding. (Lunge-Larson 1999) Sacred grounds became a death trap for the trolls. Christianity nearly drove them to the edge of extinction. Because of their magical powers, they were associated with the devil. Trolls were thought to “have withdrawn into an elusive world parallel to but not easily accessible to ours” (Lunge-Larsen 1999) Hence, they were not often seen.

After dark, trolls would emerge from their homes to wander in the forest and would return home before dawn, as sunlight would cause them to turn to stone. In Norway and Sweden today, many rock formations are attributed to the demise of various trolls. Their homes were thought to be strewn with gold, silver and other jewels, as they were the keepers of the land and all that was within it.

Trolls were thought to be very dangerous creatures but in reality, they were actually good tempered but very naïve. " In Swedish literature, trolls are not naturally evil, but primitive and misunderstood. Their misdeeds are due to a combination of basic and common human traits such as envy, pride, greed, naiveté', ignorance and stupidity." (Davis 1997) Although quite large and strong they were somewhat dimwitted and could be outsmarted rather easily, even by children. When angered, they would become very physical and use their magical powers, which caused them to be feared by many.

Over time trolls began to diversify. (See Types of Trolls) Many trolls developed relationships with humans as more people entered their lands. Trolls could be quite helpful to humans. Smaller trolls began to live in family homes and tended to be a bit of a nuisance but were quite helpful with cattle on a farm. Larger trolls would attach themselves to families and stay with them for many years providing assistance where needed. They were not always seen by the family but could be heard by certain members.

Some trolls became totally dependent on families such that if they lost their family, they lost their voice. In “Trickster and the Troll” by Virginia Driving Hawk Sneve, a troll immigrates to the United States with his family. He understands that without his family he will lose his voice and virtually cease to exist. Suffering many trials and the loss of his home, he is driven by this relationship. (Sneve 1997)

Evolution continued and trolls soon were able to be outside during the day to work with humans or just be mischievous. In Jan Brett’s “The Trouble with Trolls” the small trolls try to steal a dog. While they were able to be outside in daylight they had not lost some of the other characteristics that trolls possessed such as dimwittedness. (Brett 1992) Other trolls worked during the day on projects that further developed their own society or helped farmers work the land,

Modern day trolls in some of the literature are quite different than those in earlier folklore. Other creatures have conquered them as in The Troll King by John Vornholt where the ogres and the sorcerers have conquered the trolls and they no longer possess magical powers. (Vornholt 2002) Others are portrayed as helpful creatures that have taken on many human characteristics. Some have become gnome-like in appearance and are thought to be sweet and cute.

The troll culture has adapted over the many years of its existence such that many characteristics have departed but others have taken their place. Troll tales are still quite popular throughout the world, especially in the Scandinavian culture. They are tied to the history and development of those countries. Just as the countries have moved in new directions, so have the trolls.

Bibliography

Asbjornsen, P. C. and J. Moe (1960). Norwegian Folktales. New York, The Viking Press.
Brett, J. (1992). The Trouble with Trolls. New York, G.P. Putnam's Sons.

Davis, G. (1997). Norse Trolls-Monstrous Foes for Viking Adventure, The GURPS Newletter.
Eriksen, J. B. (1983). Trolls and Their Relatives. Stavenger, Norway, Dreyer Bok.
Lunge-Larsen, L. (1999). The Troll with No Heart in His Body and Other Tales of Trolls from Norway. Boston, MA, Houghton Mifflin Company.
McKenzie, E. K. (1994). Under the Bridge. New York, Henry Holt and Company, Inc.
Sneve, V. D. H. (1997). The Trickster and the Troll. Lincoln and London, University of Nebraska Press.
Vornholt, J. (2002). The Troll King. New York, NY, Alladin Paperbacks.