Trolls: Scandinavia’s Malevolent, Magical Outcasts | Monstrum

Summary

The video script explores the evolution of trolls, from their origins in ancient Nordic folklore to their depiction in modern media. Originally, trolls were seen as malevolent, magical beings dwelling outside civilization, threatening humans with their cunning and strength. Over time, trolls have taken on many forms, from shapeshifters to giant monsters. The script traces their role in medieval sagas, religious reformation, and modern fantasy literature, including famous works like 'Lord of the Rings' and 'Peer Gynt.' Today, trolls exist in various forms, from internet antagonists to pop culture icons.

Takeaways

• 🌲 Trolls in Scandinavian folklore were originally broad, malevolent magical beings, not defined by appearance but by their actions.
• 📖 Early trolls were intelligent, not the dim-witted creatures commonly seen in modern portrayals.
• ⚔️ Trolls were often associated with danger and death, living on the boundaries of human communities, and could appear as giants, witches, or even ghosts.
• 👩‍🎤 Female trolls in particular were considered powerful and evil, often skilled in magic, and could be fierce warriors.
• 🏰 Trolls in medieval stories were connected to various supernatural and religious contexts, with some even converting to Christianity.
• 🛠️ Legends of trolls building churches exist, where trolls attempted to manipulate or strike deals with humans, like the Lund Cathedral story.
• 📜 Trolls were categorized into their own 'monster' category by folklorists in the 19th century, helping cement the image of trolls in popular culture.
• 🧙‍♂️ Famous works like Henrik Ibsen's *Peer Gynt* and J.R.R. Tolkien's *Lord of the Rings* played key roles in popularizing trolls in modern fantasy.
• 🧸 Troll dolls, created by Danish craftsman Thomas Dam, became a global sensation in the 1960s and were revived in 2016 through the animated film *Trolls*.
• 💻 The concept of 'trolls' has evolved to include modern internet trolls, symbolizing online antagonists who lurk in digital spaces to provoke others.

Q & A

What is the origin of the term 'troll' and how was it used in early folklore?

The term 'troll' originated from Old Norse-Icelandic and was used to describe various supernatural beings, not just one specific type of monster. It often indicated malevolent magical beings and was more about what a creature did rather than its appearance.

How were trolls perceived in early Scandinavian legends?

In early Scandinavian legends, trolls were seen as dangerous, anti-social beings that lived outside human settlements. They could take many forms, from giants to witches, and were skilled in magic, hoarding treasures, and causing harm to humans.

What is significant about the encounter between Bragi the Old and the female troll in the Prose Edda?

Bragi's encounter with the female troll in the Prose Edda is notable because the troll introduces herself with a poetic, respectful speech. This indicates that ancient trolls were not always violent and had complex identities, practicing magic and accumulating wealth.

How did the 16th-century Reformation influence troll folklore in Scandinavia?

During the Reformation in the mid-16th century, trolls became associated with the Devil as Christianity spread across Scandinavia. Hymns and religious texts attempted to replace pagan beliefs, and trolls were portrayed as evil beings needing redemption.

What role did female trolls play in early sagas, and how were they depicted?

Female trolls were often depicted as particularly malevolent and skilled in magic, such as the troll Ogmundr, who was described as the greatest monster ever born. Female trolls were often more dangerous than their male counterparts and played significant roles in various sagas.

How did trolls evolve in literature during the 19th century?

In the 19th century, trolls began to appear more prominently in fantasy literature, especially through fairy tales. The most notable example is the ‘Three Billy Goats Gruff’ story, where a troll guards a bridge and tries to eat the goats, a foundational story that persists today.

What connection do trolls have to church building legends in Scandinavian folklore?

In Scandinavian folklore, trolls were often depicted as builders of churches. Stories such as the construction of Lund Cathedral involve trolls offering their services to build churches, only to be turned into stone by saints or divine forces when they fail to meet their conditions.

What was the impact of J.R.R. Tolkien's works on modern troll depictions?

J.R.R. Tolkien's works, especially 'The Hobbit' and 'The Lord of the Rings,' played a significant role in shaping modern depictions of trolls. He introduced various types of trolls, such as warrior trolls, stone-trolls, and hill-trolls, solidifying their place in fantasy literature.

How did trolls transition from folklore to popular culture in the 20th century?

Trolls transitioned from folklore into popular culture in various ways, including the creation of troll dolls in the mid-20th century and their appearances in animated movies, horror films, and fantasy literature. They became more child-friendly in some cases but also remained threatening in others.

What are some common characteristics of trolls across different time periods and cultures?

Common characteristics of trolls include their association with magic, their ability to shapeshift, and their existence outside of human communities. Whether depicted as giant monsters or clever magical beings, trolls have always represented danger, isolation, and a threat to civilization.