Trolls: An Unnatural History

John Lindow's cultural history traces trolls from their origins in Norse mythology through their evolution in Scandinavian folklore and modern media. The book examines how trolls have persisted as symbols in Northern European imagination for over a millennium. The text follows a chronological path through different eras' interpretations of trolls, from medieval manuscripts to nineteenth-century fairy tales and contemporary films. Primary sources and historical documents reveal how descriptions and depictions of trolls transformed as societies changed. The narrative moves between academic analysis and accessible storytelling, incorporating folklore studies, anthropology, and literary criticism. Tales and legends from Sweden, Norway, Denmark, and Iceland demonstrate regional variations in troll mythology. The book reveals how trolls have served as metaphors for cultural anxieties about outsiders, wilderness, and the relationship between civilization and nature throughout history. Their endurance in literature and popular culture reflects deeper patterns in how societies process encounters with the unknown.

Readers report this academic book provides focused details on troll stories and folklore. Multiple reviews highlight Lindow's analysis of how troll mythology influenced fantasy literature and media. Positives: - Clear historical chronology of troll appearances in literature - Strong research and citations - Useful background for fantasy writers and folklore students Negatives: - Some find the academic tone dry - Several note it's shorter than expected at 144 pages - Limited discussion of modern troll interpretations - A few readers wanted more illustrations Review Sources: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (26 ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (12 ratings) Notable Comments: "Well-researched but reads like a textbook" -Goodreads reviewer "Perfect primer on Norse troll folklore" -Amazon reviewer "Wish it explored contemporary trolls more" -Goodreads reviewer "Good reference but lacking visual elements" -Amazon reviewer

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🌲 In Norse mythology, trolls were said to turn to stone if caught in sunlight - a detail that influenced countless modern fantasy stories and games 🗿 The word "troll" likely comes from Old Norse "trǫll" and may be related to words meaning "to walk clumsily" or "to roll" 👑 Author John Lindow is one of the world's foremost authorities on Scandinavian folklore and mythology, serving as Professor Emeritus at the University of California, Berkeley 🌙 The book traces how troll folklore evolved from dangerous mountain-dwelling giants in medieval Scandinavia to the cute, colorful characters popular in modern children's media 🎨 The first artistic depictions of trolls appeared in Swedish church paintings from the 15th century, where they were portrayed as threatening creatures representing pagan forces