Trolls are fascinating creatures that have been part of Nordic folklore and mythology for centuries. They are usually depicted as large, monstrous, and sometimes magical beings that live in isolated places such as mountains, caves, or forests. They are often hostile to humans and can smell the blood of a Christian man
But are trolls real? And if so, are they related to the troll hunter, a mysterious figure who hunts them down with a flash gun and a troll stench? In this article, we will explore the origins, characteristics, and legends of trolls and troll hunters, and try to answer these questions.
Contents
The Origins of Trolls
The word “troll” comes from the Old Norse term “tröll”, which means “fiend, demon, or giant” The Proto-Germanic root of this word is “*trullan”, which means “something round” This suggests that trolls were originally conceived as round or bulky creatures.
Trolls appear in various sources of Norse mythology, such as the Poetic Edda and the Prose Edda. They are often associated with the jötnar, a race of giants who are the enemies of the gods. Trolls are also mentioned in sagas, skaldic poetry, and folk tales
Some of the most famous trolls in Norse mythology are:
- Skrymir, a giant who tricks Thor and his companions with his illusions
- Grendel, a monstrous troll who terrorizes the hall of King Hrothgar in Beowulf
- Ymir, the primordial gint who was killed by Odin and his brothers to create the world from his body parts
The Characteristics of Trolls
Trolls vary greatly in their appearance and behavior depending on the source and the culture. Some common features of trolls are:
- They are usually very large and strong, sometimes as big as mountains or trees.
- They have animal-like features such as horns, tails, claws, fur, or scales.
- They have multiple heads or limbs, or can change their shape or size.
- They are often ugly and stupid, or cunning and deceptive.
- They have magical powers such as invisibility, regeneration, or control over elements.
- They are sensitive to sunlight, which can turn them to stone or make them explode.
- They are often cannibalistic or eat humans or livestock.
- They are afraid of iron, fire, or Christian symbols.
- They live in isolated places such as mountains, caves, forests, or under bridges.
- They hoard treasures or guard secrets or magical objects.
The Legends of Troll Hunters
Troll hunters are people who hunt down and kill trolls for various reasons. Some may do it for sport, revenge, protection, or curiosity. Some may work for a secret organization that monitors and controls the troll population. Some may have a personal connection to trolls or a special ability to sense them.
Troll hunters appear in various forms of media and literature, such as:
- Trollhunter (2010), a Norwegian mockumentary film that follows a group of students who document the activities of a troll hunter named Hans
- Trollhunters: Tales of Arcadia (2016-2018), an American animated series created by Guillermo del Toro that follows the adventures of Jim Lake Jr., a teenager who becomes the first human troll hunter after finding a magical amulet
- The Last Wish (1993), a collection of short stories by Andrzej Sapkowski that introduces Geralt of Rivia, a witcher who hunts down monsters such as trolls for money
The Relationship Between Trolls and Troll Hunters
So, is there any relation between trolls and troll hunters? The answer is not clear-cut, as different sources may have different interpretations. However, some possible ways to look at this question are:
- Trolls and troll hunters are natural enemies who have been in conflict for ages. Trolls pose a threat to humans and their civilization, while troll hunters protect them and their interests.
- Trolls and troll hunters are part of the same ecosystem that maintains a balance between nature and culture. Trolls represent the wild and chaotic forces of nature, while troll hunters represent the civilized and orderly forces of culture.
- Trolls and troll hunters are two sides of the same coin that reflect each other’s qualities. Trolls embody the primal and instinctive aspects of human nature, while troll hunters embody the rational and moral aspects of human nature.
In conclusion, trolls and troll hunters are fascinating creatures that have captivated the imagination of many people for centuries. They have their own origins, characteristics, and legends that vary depending on the source and the culture. Whether they are real or not is up to each individual to decide, but one thing is certain: they are not easily forgotten.
