Norwegian trolls are believed to be mythical creatures that live in isolated rocks or caves. They are believed to live alone or in small families and are hostile towards humans. As per the troll legends, they are believed to be evil and dangerous beings that prefer the wilderness.  In Norway, there is a long-standing tradition of troll mythology. Trolls are mythical creatures that are often portrayed as being short with wild hair or larger creatures that dwell in mountains, forests and caves. In Norse mythology, they were seen as evil giants associated with magic. They are said to use their connections with nature to baffle, confuse and deceive humans.

Norway’s first national law from 1276, having contact with trolls was seen as such a serious offense that it entailed the law’s most severe punishment  Trolls date back to Norse mythology and are a staple in Nordic fairy tales. In the film’s opening scene, Tobias Tidemann lays out one such legend, reminding his daughter about creatures “made of earth and stone” who cannot withstand sunlight. The mythology of trolls remains strong today, and they are often shown in popular culture, for example in Dora the Explorer where a grumpy old troll guards bridges.

Everyone in Norway has their own troll story to tell you that they believe is real. Even Ayr found a cute troll!

On a shore excursion bus ride the tour guide had us look over to the right in a field and said see that cave, the Queen Troll lives there and sometimes when we drive by you can even get a glance of her!!  And she was serious.

As you can see from all my pictures I took I was obsessed with them and found them all over Norway everywhere.  I thought they were so adorable but no Ayr didn’t want me to bring one home. There is something about them being bad luck?

Trollstigen known as Trolls Pass is an impressive mountain pass that twists through eleven hairpin bends up the steep mountain sides in Romsdalen valley. It was pretty scary in a huge coach as the scenic route cuts through Norway’s most awesome scenery, we had a dizzying view of steep mountainsides, big waterfalls, deep fjords and green lush valleys making this stretch of road one of Norway’s most dramatic attractions. It is one lane so when another bus needs to pass our bus pulled over to the side of the mountain with no barriers you close your eyes and pray.

 Here is where we saw most of our trolls, in front of restaurants, campgrounds and gift stores welcoming you with these cuties.