Discover a rich tapestry of tales centered around mythical creatures and epic quests, all featuring trolls in various roles—heroic, villainous, and somewhere in between. From courageous rescues to encounters with mysterious beings, these stories showcase the fascinating folklore of trolls, magic, and enchanted realms.
In Ene Øjesten and the Magic Stone, a gentle troll finds a magical stone that allows her to foresee calamities, helping the villagers of Børkop prepare for an impending storm and becoming their trusted guardian. Similarly, The Three Dogs and the Mountain Troll tells of a humble swineherd who uses his magical dogs to rescue three princesses, ultimately marrying one and becoming a king. Faithful And Unfaithful portrays a young man compelled to rescue a queen from a troll after a misunderstanding, with a magical horse guiding him through treacherous trials.
Themes of enchanted objects and hidden identities are central in Charcoal Nils And The Troll-woman, where a charcoal burner unknowingly marries a troll-woman. He is ultimately compelled to send her and their children away, returning to a simpler life. The transformative power of love and loyalty emerges in Silverwhite And Lillwacker, where a young hero, after rescuing three princesses from a sea troll, is mortally wounded. His foster brother, Lillwacker, brings him back to life, and the two find happiness with their royal spouses.
Some stories depict young heroes overcoming great odds, such as in The Blue Belt, where a beggar’s son wields a magical belt that grants him strength to defeat a vicious troll. In Soria Moria Castle, a seemingly lazy young man named Halvor embarks on an unexpected journey, facing down multiple trolls to save princesses and eventually marrying the youngest.
Trolls also embody the themes of trials and transformations in The Tree of Swords, where a youth confronts a three-headed troll to retrieve a magical pear that will break a curse on a princess. Meanwhile, The Prince and the Princess from the Forest tells of a prince lost in a forest who faces dangers alongside a hidden princess, overcoming obstacles to reunite with his family.
Tales like Three Billy Goats Gruff show how wit can overcome trollish strength, as three goats trick a bridge troll to reach greener pastures. In Yuletide Specters, a woman encounters a church full of supernatural creatures, escaping only by the protective power of a cross-shaped bread piece in her pocket.
These stories offer insights into the varied and magical world of trolls, where mystery, courage, and cunning meet.
Imagination over knowledge
