Mae Clair’s Mythical Monday: Who’s that Trip-Trapping on My Bridge?

If you’re like me, you probably remember the Norwegian folktale, THE THREE BILLY GOATS GRUFF. The story was probably my first exposure to trolls, who are usually described in folklore as hideous and evil. What other horrific creature would want to make a noonday snack of a spry and whimsical billy goat for trip-trapping over its bridge?

A far cry from the cuddly troll dolls of the 1970s (remember those?), these large brutish creatures are depicted as hulking, often deformed, slow and ruthless....