In Scandinavian folklore, trolls are sometimes associated with particular landmarks (sometimes said to have been formed by a troll having been exposed to sunlight). Trolls are depicted in a variety of media in modern popular culture.

Dec 2, 2022 · Trolls are a Scandinavian phenomenon who traditionally live in caves and high remote places. Norwegian mountain trolls and Norwegian forest trolls are commonplace in Nordic mythology, though other sources have them living underground, in rocky landscapes and generally anywhere that’s dark.

Mar 8, 2025 · Troll, in early Scandinavian folklore, giant, monstrous being, sometimes possessing magic powers. Hostile to men, trolls lived in castles and haunted the surrounding districts after dark. If exposed to sunlight they burst or turned to stone.

Aug 20, 2018 · How much do you really know about trolls in Norway? Far more than a tacky figurine lined up on a gift shop shelf, Norwegian trolls are steeped in mythology.

Check out our guide below for a look at the authentic trolls of Scandinavian history, mythology and folklore. If you ever come across one on your travels, at least you’ll know what you’re looking at!

Norwegian trolls are one of the many fantastical creatures depicted in Scandinavian lore. These mythical creatures were believed to live in various landscapes around Norway, including in rocky caves and mountainsides. They were also seen as being quite dangerous to humans.

Mar 8, 2024 · Large, small, smelly, vicious or kind, Norse trolls are one of the most identifiable creatures from mythology and folklore. They frequently appear in the Sagas, although its specific attributes are not always clear.

Jan 18, 2017 · Scandinavian folklore introduces two kinds of Trolls: the giants (often called jontar) and the little folk (often called huldrefolk). The jotnar, who borrow their name and many of their characteristics from the ancient Norse ice giants, are superhuman characters.

Dec 12, 2023 · Norway has trolls, that’s for sure. In fact, trolls originated in Norse mythology and folklore, and the creatures are a cornerstone of Nordic legends. From the first written records pertaining to Nordic countries, trolls’ symbolism was always that of some monstrous (and usually evil) being associated with magic.

Dec 19, 2024 · Being part of Scandinavian folklore, trolls, just like nisser and dverger (dwarf-like beings), alver (the elves), vetter (evil spirits) and tusser (underground dwellers) can all be traced back to the Viking Age.