by Martin Calderwood

Created on: January 17, 2009

The Mystery of Trolls solved.

The very nature of trolls has been open to debate since the first so called troll' was mentioned in Norse Mythology. The name or word troll has been used to scare children, teach object lessons and explain the unexplainable and much more usually with some kind of negative connotation. Even when trolls are used in a more positive manner they are still usually referred to as stupid, clumsy, thoughtless and/or tricky. Those few stories and legends that portray Trolls as caring, family oriented helpers of the human race are usually ignored or excused as simply a small ripple in the sea of information on these creatures. Even today the latest manipulation of the word Troll' is an internet being' who is known for their less than sterling behavior toward others on the net.

The connotations of the word troll' are as vast as the cultures and individuals who use them yet these contrary depictions are, for the most part, the result of human inability to tell a true troll' from other mythological creatures. These various meanings/interpretations not only add to the discombobulation surrounding trolls but in most ways they created it.

The Mystery' thus becomes, "What is a True Troll' and why do trolls' have such a bad reputation?"

To start with let's look at the definition of the word troll' as it applies to the mythic creature. Combining several variations of the definition found on the net a Troll is defined as
"A supernatural creature of Scandinavian folklore, variously portrayed as a friendly or mischievous dwarf or as a giant, that lives in caves, in the hills, or under bridges."

Herein lies the first problem. Even this standard definition uses two distinct groups to define trolls. Dwarf's are not Trolls. In literature from Tolkien to Disney a Dwarf is a small' human with a beard who generally lives underground. This is NOT a troll! Nor are Giants and no self-respecting Stone, Snow or other form of Giant would ever deem it proper to be called a troll. Still Humans persist in grouping Dwarfs and Giants with a multitude of other mythological creatures (including Orcs, Orgres, Gnomes, Imps, Kobolds, and many others) in such a way that the name is relegated to a category or family rather than the distinct species it is.

Trolls are trolls and not members of one of these other unique groups of beings. They are, as portrayed in many legends and stories, peaceful, friendly and often mischievous creatures who take care of the land. Trolls are usually

• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• 5
• Next Page >>