Welcome to our top 10 troll stories list, where we delve into the enchanting world of mischievous and fearsome creatures from folklore and mythology!
These tales, passed down through generations, captivate readers with their blend of magic, adventure, and wit. From the cunning tricks of trolls to the bravery of those who face them, this collection promises to be both thrilling and unforgettable. Choosing the stories for this list wasn't an easy task, as each tale brings its own unique charm and intrigue. Enjoy!
Top 10 Troll Stories of All Times
10. “The Three Billy Goats Gruff” (collected) by P. C. Asbjørnsen and Jørgen Moe
We will open our list with probably the most famous troll story of all time.
This Norwegian folktale revolves around three goats who need to cross a bridge to reach a meadow with lush grass. However, an evil troll lives under the bridge and threatens to eat anyone who tries to cross it.
Stories like this have been cherished for generations and continue to captivate readers with their magical and adventurous elements throughout the ages.
9. “The Troll Ride” by Anna Wahlenberg
Peder Lars is on his way to town to buy a new jacket, hoping to impress a wealthy woman. He rides through the forest and meets a strange old woman who promises him riches if he helps her out. Pressed for time with his plans, Peder ignores her pleas, not knowing that he has encountered a troll and she won't let him off the hook so easily. As he soon discovers, his journey will take an unexpected and perilous turn.
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This is a wonderfully strange story about unusual encounters and the unexpected consequences of one's actions.
8. “The Troll's Daughter” (collected) by Svend Grundtvig
A young man agrees to work for a troll for three years in exchange for a large sum of money. Each year, he is transformed into different animals—a hare, a raven, and a fish—and must complete various challenging tasks. During his time as a fish, he discovers a beautiful maiden in a glass castle under the sea. She turns out to be the troll's imprisoned daughter. Together, they devise a plan to defeat the troll and secure their freedom.
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Retold and adapted into different languages, this story is a true classic of Danish folklore.
7. "The Four Big Trolls and Little Peter Pastureman" by Cyrus Granér
Peter is a brave and lighthearted boy who works as a shepherd for the Four Big Trolls.
When the old Troll King passes on, the Four Trolls come to blows over the throne. Their vicious rivalry puts the lives of all magical folk in grave danger. This ordeal would have ended in tragedy if not for little Peter, whose outstanding bravery and quick wits save the day.
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The story is a charming blend of adventure and folklore, it speaks of bravery, intelligence, and the triumph of good over evil.
6. "The Boy Who Was Never Afraid" by Alfred Smedberg
Nisse, a fearless boy, journeys to a mountain to retrieve his family's stolen cow from trolls.
Along the way, he encounters vicious forest creatures, showing no fear and offering kindness instead. As he makes some unlikely friends, the ultimate test awaits our hero in the lair of the menacing trolls.
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The story highlights that while kindness is powerful, some situations require bravery and strength.
5. "The Changelings" by Helena Nyblom
The story revolves around a human princess and a troll girl who are swapped at birth. The human princess is taken to live with the trolls, while the troll girl is raised in the royal family.
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As they grow up, each faces challenges and adventures that highlight their true natures and origins. Eventually, the truth about their identities is revealed, leading to a poignant and transformative resolution for both the princess and the troll girl.
The story delves into themes of identity, belonging, and the contrasts between human and troll worlds.
4. “The Troll’s Gift” by Anna Wahlenberg
A poor farming couple returns home from a long day in the fields only to discover that their precious goats have been stolen by the Evil Old Troll.
As if that wasn't enough, the next time they leave, he comes back and takes their little son, Olle!
Despite being deceived by the troll, the boy manages to win the old troll's heart through kindness and bravery.
This little gem is a perfect balance of a classic cautionary tale, and a delightful bedtime story for children.
3. "When Mother Troll Took in the King’s Washing" by Elsa Beskow
Mother Troll poses as a hard-working washerwoman who takes on the task of doing the King’s laundry.
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Fascinated by the beautiful baby clothes of the king's child, she keeps some of them, instructing her son, Drulle, to recite a rhyme during the clothes count to cover up the missing items. A young kitchen maid, Inga, notices the disappearing clothes and eventually discovers the troll's deception, putting her and her son in danger of being revealed for what they are.
The story combines humor, suspense, and a touch of romance while depicting the clash between the trolls and humans, and their ways of life.
2. "The Changeling" by Selma Lagerlöf
Another brilliant take on the popular theme of trolls swapping human babies for their own.
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A loving mother's world is turned upside down when her precious baby is mysteriously replaced by an ugly troll child. Despite her grief, she takes pity on him and does her best to keep him alive. She stands up to anyone who tries to harm the changeling, even risking the love of her husband. Little does she know that, through the powers of ancient troll magic, what she’s fighting for is the life of her own son.
This is a spellbinding tale of maternal love and the supernatural, where motherly love and compassion defy the boundaries between worlds.
1. “The Leather Bag” by Anna Wahlenberg
A poor farmer, Niklas, struggling to put food on his table, chances upon a troll family sowing seeds from an old leather bag. Astonished, he witnesses those seeds growing magically in the blink of an eye.
Hoping to lift his family and the entire community out of poverty, he embarks on a quest to obtain that magic bag. He knows that treasure seekers should never share their plans with anyone if they want to succeed. Keeping his efforts a secret, Niklas must overcome mistrust and condemnation from his own friends and family. At the end of his journey, he will come face to face with vicious and powerful trolls who won't let go of their precious treasure so easily!
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A timeless story of determination and perseverance, this 100-year-old masterpiece has truly earned its place at the head of the list.