Troll!

The first image is a drawing by Theodor Kittelsen, made in 1906. He is one of Norway’s most famous artists, known for his fairytale-like illustrations inspired by folklore, nature, and old beliefs. This troll is not a creature standing in nature, but a part of it—the hill itself becomes the troll, with trees for hair and shadows for eyes.

The second photo is something I came across in the woods not long ago. Just an uprooted tree, shaped by time and soil. It reminded me instantly of Kittelsen’s troll. The hanging roots, the texture, the form—it looked strangely alive.

When you walk in the Norwegian forest, it’s not hard to understand how people in earlier times might have believed in trolls. I could’ve done the same if I’d tripped over that root alone in the woods by moonlight.

Left: T. Kittelsen "The Forest Troll" (1906), right: Maria "The Forest Troll" (2025)