Trolls

Trolls in Norwegian Folklore

Trolls are mountain and forest creatures from Norwegian folklore — sometimes mischievous, sometimes dangerous, sometimes quietly wise. They appear in children's stories, in 19th-century folk-art paintings, and in the names of bridges, peaks, and roads across Norway. The modern image we recognize — the oversized nose, the tangle of hair, bare feet — comes largely from one artist: Theodor Kittelsen (1857–1914), whose illustrations defined the visual language of Norwegian folklore and still shape how trolls are drawn today. This collection carries Kittelsen card packs, prints, and books, alongside contemporary troll figurines.

NyForm — The Norwegian Troll Maker

Most of the troll figurines in this collection are NyForm trolls. NyForm began as a home-based production of Norwegian nisse and troll figurines by Trygve and Evelyn Torgersen in 1957, and officially opened as a/s Ny Form on January 1, 1964, in Tynset, Norway. Every NyForm troll is hand-cast from a sculptor's original, then individually hand-painted — so every piece has its own face, its own expression, its own personality. The main material is natural latex from rubber trees, which makes the trolls nearly unbreakable. Collectors often choose a troll based on character (Fisherman, Wedding Couple, Skipper, Troll on Moose) as much as design.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between a troll and a tomte/nisse?

Trolls are folklore creatures that live in the wild — mountains, forests, caves. Tomten (Swedish) and Nisse (Norwegian/Danish) are household gnomes: smaller, benevolent figures who watch over farms and homes. Our Tomten and Gnomes collections carry the household figures.

Are NyForm trolls really hand-painted?

Yes. Every NyForm troll is individually hand-painted in Tynset, Norway. The cast is identical from piece to piece, but the painting varies — which is why the character you receive is genuinely unique.

Who was Theodor Kittelsen?

Theodor Kittelsen (1857–1914) was a Norwegian painter and illustrator whose illustrations of trolls, witches, and folk creatures shaped the modern visual imagination of Norwegian folklore. We carry his work as card packs, prints, and illustrated books.

Are the troll figurines safe for children to play with?

NyForm trolls are made of natural latex and are described as nearly unbreakable, but they're display pieces with detailed paint — not toys. For young children, our troll storybooks are a better match.