Trolls and Sprites and Fairies: Wonder in Folktales

Photo by MARIOLA GROBELSKA

Near the cranberry bogs lived two children, Heather and Davy, who, after hearing stories from their Grandee, go about looking for the elusive and secretive Marshwiggles. Shy and silent, the Marshwiggles are always hiding from people, living quietly and without bother somewhere by the cranberry bogs.

The only sign that they even exist? The flash of golden lashes blinking when they run off to hide away. Are you ready to dive into cranberry bog adventures and help Heather and Davy look for the Marshwiggles?

Trolls and Sprites and Fairies!

Now, the Marshwiggles are fictional creatures and characters that feature prominently in Teressa L. Diggs' fun children's story, Heather, Davy, and the Marshwiggle, but don't they sound a bit similar to what you heard about stories from the Scandinavian countryside?

If you've ever heard whispers in the wind on a crisp winter night or seen flickering lights dancing between the trees in a summer meadow, you've probably seen a sprite or a fairy.

In Scandinavia, the land of fjords, forests, and fierce Vikings, there is a secret world—a world brimming with fantastical creatures! These creatures are deeply rooted in the region's history and geography.

Today, let's take a wondrous journey to meet some of Scandinavian folklore's most fun and fascinating monsters.

Wonder in Folktales: Trolls

Forget the grumpy giants you see in movies!

Photo by Daniel Kempe

Scandinavian trolls are primarily gentle giants, though a bit rough around the edges. They live in caves or deep within the forest, sometimes building homes from rocks and earth. Trolls love collecting shiny things—pebbles, buttons, even spoons! But their favorite treasures are rainbows. Scandinavian trolls are more benign than how they're typically depicted, which were often depicted as malicious.

If you're lucky enough to see a troll, you might find them trying to catch the end of a rainbow with their giant hands.

Here's a secret about trolls: sunlight turns them to stone! So, don't be scared if you ever encounter a troll during the day. Just wait for the sunset when they return to their giant selves.

Wonder in Folktales: Nisses and Tomtes

Goblins are known as nissein Scandinavia. They are tiny creatures with pointy ears and a love for pranks. They might hide your socks or leave a trail of pebbles leading nowhere. But unlike some mischievous creatures, the nisse aren't all bad. They are believed to bring good luck to the household. If you leave them a bowl of porridge with a pat of butter on a cold winter night, they might leave you a small gift in return!

Tomtes are even smaller than the nisse--about the size of a mouse! They are the protectors of the home, making sure everything runs smoothly. Like the nisse, they appreciate a treat left out for them, especially during the holiday season. If you keep them happy, they might even leave you something extra under your pillow!

Photo by Dorota Dylka

Wonder in Folktales: Huldra and Elves

Deep within the forests lives the huldra, beautiful women with long, flowing hair that hides their fox's tails. They love to sing and dance, their voices echoing through the woods. But be warned! Huldra can be pretty naughty.

On the other hand, elves are known for their wisdom and craftsmanship. They live in hidden villages, often underground, and are skilled in metalworking and magic. Unlike huldra, elves tend to avoid humans. However, if you're ever lucky enough to meet an elf, they might share a secret or two about the magic hidden within nature.

A World of Wonder

What has been mentioned is only the tip of the iceberg. Scandinavian folklore is filled with many more amazing creatures!

From the fearsome Jörmungandr, a giant serpent that wraps around the world, to the playful nix, water sprites that love to dance in rivers, there's an unbelievable being for everyone.

So the next time you visit the beautiful lands of Scandinavia, keep your eyes peeled and your ears open.

You never know when you might encounter a friendly troll, a mischievous goblin, or even catch a glimpse of a beautiful huldra's song reverberating through the woods.

Remember, there is adventure out there waiting in every nook and cranny!

Heather, Davy, and the Marshwiggle by Teressa L. Diggs is a lovely romp through the cranberry bog. Make sure to check them out through this link.