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Trolls are possibly the most popular souvenir that
tourists choose to take home as a reminder of Norway, not
the frightening, plastic multi-coloured-haired toys so popular
with children of the 1980's, but wooden figurines closely
related to ancient Norwegian folklore.
Trolls and mythology
Storytelling has long played a part in Norwegian tradition,
having originated as a method of passing long, dark hours
by the fireside over the winter months. Supernatural beings
would often appear in these stories - witches, elves etc,
but most uniquely to Norway, Trolls.
Their most famous appearance must be in the tale of the Three
Billy Goats Gruff, where each goat in turn is harassed
by the troll under the bridge. Trolls are generally associated
with mountainous areas, particularly Norway's largest mountain
range, Jotuheimen, where they would typically hide
away in dark and damp places, such as caves, by waterfalls,
and in dark forests, out of a fear of the sunlight which would
turn them to stone. They are typically irritable, and short-tempered
creatures, and when a household is suffering a run of bad
luck, however, this is often blame this upon a troll living
beneath their home. They also play a significant role in old
Norse mythology, as they are believed to be descended
from giants and, as they can live for hundreds of years, are
also believed to have been the creators of Thor's hammer and
Odin's spear.
The role and the appearance of the troll has changed over
the years. Originally they were large and ugly creatures,
usually described as having yellowish skin, pot bellies, hooked
noses, coarse scruffy hair, long tufted tails and possibly
multiple heads, and an equally unattractive temperament. In
a bid to make them more appealing, they seem to have become
blended with the smaller, elf-like 'Nisse', a more
sociable, though still shy species, who, once befriended become
a home help. Kindness towards the Nisse can ensure their faithful
return and a bestowal of luck upon the family.
Bag a bargain
The souvenir troll is usually a small figure (about one inch
is the optimum height for sales), with some of the traditional
features, but softened by an inane grin and baby-like proportions.
Trolls are still common collectable ornaments, coming in
all shapes and sizes, generally made from wood, and other
local materials and available in souvenir shops all over Norway.
The Norwegians are also still rather attached to them as a
national emblem, as well as a source of income, and they frequently
appear as mascots and in place names, as well as living on
in many traditional folk tales.
Other from Norway:
- Reindeer leather goods
- Traditional Norwegian knitted jumpers, usually in white,
red and blue
- Hand-made Sami crafts, often carved Reindeer bones.
Although everything in Norway costs an earth compared to the
rest of Europe, these types of goods are authentic and hard
to find elsewhere so represent good value for money.
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