Trolls: Scandinavia’s Malevolent, Magical Outcasts | Monstrum
Storied・2 minutes read
Trolls have a long history starting from Nordic folklore as malevolent magical beings to their modern portrayal as online harassers. The concept of trolls evolved over time, influencing literature, laws, and popular culture, from Henrik Ibsen's plays to J.R.R. Tolkien's novels and the creation of Troll Dolls.
Insights
- The term "troll" originated from Nordic folklore, where it referred to malevolent magical beings that posed a threat to civilization, often residing at the boundaries of communities, with female trolls particularly depicted as evil in ancient tales.
- Trolls have evolved from ancient folklore to modern-day representations, with early stories dating back to the 13th century depicting them as clever, skilled at magic, and capable of shapeshifting, while contemporary portrayals in horror literature and film often present trolls as threatening monsters and symbols of foreignness.
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What is the origin of the term "troll"?
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