Trolls

Trolls are some of the most storied and popularized of all magical creatures. A number of books and several movies have been made with them. But they have been changed greatly over time. Trolls in movies have often been portrayed as cute and cuddly with a big, toothy grin and red cheeks. Models of trolls like this are sold to tourists who visit places that are famous for trolls such as Norway. But trolls in folk tales are much different. Folk and fairy tale trolls are as tall as a tree and very hairy. They also have a long nose. A troll would be a sight to make you faint.

Besides their ugly appearance, trolls also have an awful personality. They hate humans and this is what gets them into tales. Unlucky hikers through the woods, mountains and caves where trolls live are often captured, or eaten! In many stories, princesses are the prisoners. The hero or heroine can not only save a princess, but trolls usually have a treasure with them that the hero can have. Although Trolls are very strong, they are also very stupid. The hero then just outsmarts the troll instead of fighting him. He/she can bring the troll outside and into the sun where the troll will explode or turn to stone.

Another not known thing about trolls, as with most creatures, is where did the name come from and what does it mean? In Norwegian, the word trolsk, which would translate to troll-ish in English describes strange times in nature. These times include things like a forest at dawn, which has thick fog around trees and the sometimes-strange sounds of birds.

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