Trolls and Giants

Trolls and giants are big, powerful creatures found in many myths. Norse trolls lived in mountains and turned to stone in sunlight. Giants appear in stories from Greece, the Bible, and fairy tales. They were usually scary, but sometimes they were slow and easy to outsmart.

Trolls of Scandinavia

Scandinavian trolls come in many shapes and sizes. Some are huge and live in mountains. Others are small and live under bridges. Trolls come out at night because sunlight turns them to stone. In Norway, strangely shaped rocks are said to be trolls caught by the sunrise.

Giants in World Mythology

Giants appear in myths from everywhere. The Greek Titans were giants who ruled before the gods. Norse frost giants were enemies of the gods. In the Bible, the giant Goliath was defeated by young David. Jack from 'Jack and the Beanstalk' outsmarted a giant using his cleverness.

Fun Facts

• Norwegian trolls are said to have long noses, bushy tails, and only four fingers on each hand.
• The Giant's Causeway in Ireland is said to have been built by the giant Finn McCool.
• In the story 'Three Billy Goats Gruff,' a troll lives under a bridge.

Did You Know?

Norway has hundreds of oddly shaped rocks and mountains that are said to be trolls turned to stone. Trolltunga, or 'Troll's Tongue,' is a famous cliff in Norway that looks like a giant tongue sticking out of the mountain!