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In Norway there were various creatures hiding out in the forests . People did not know what these creatures were, but they were generally believed to have supernatural powers and they came to be known as trolls.

The trolls would come out of their hiding- places only after sunset and they would disappear before the morning sun arose in the East. Direct exposure to the sun could cause them to crack, turn into stone and possibly burst. On occasion the trolls would evidently forget to hide from the sun and rock formations can today be found in various places with troll-like features.
The trolls were mostly seen on bright moonlit nights or during stormy nights that could frighten about anyone who happened to be outdoors at that time. The trolls had very distinct features. They had long crooked noses, only four fingers and toes on each limb, and most of them had long bushy tails.

Some trolls were giants and others were small. There were stories of two-headed, as well as three-headed trolls, and even a few had only one eye in the middle of their wrinkled foreheads. Others had trees and rough moss-like growth all over their heads and noses.

Although they were shaggy and rough haired and most looked frightening, they were also known to be good-natured and naive. They were so naive in fact that even sly peasant boys could, on occasion, easily trick them. Stories about such encounters are common in the fairy tales.

Most trolls lived to be hundreds of years old. However, because of the trolls' extremely shy nature, their true origin, their lifestyle or what surprises they might pull have always been a mystery. The ability to transform themselves counted among the trolls many supernatural skills.

The next time you go to the dark forests and the mighty mountains with their deep lakes and roaring waterfalls, just remember, they probably mean no harm. But be aware, in the twilight hours you are no longer alone. Then it is only you . . . and all the trolls!