Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
"A troll is a fearsome member of a mythical anthropomorph race from Scandinavian folklore. Their role ranges from fiendish giants – similar to the ogres of English fairy tales – to a devious, more human-like folk of the wilderness, living underground in hills or mounds, inclined to thieving and the abduction of humans which, in the case of infant abductees, was substituted with a changeling. They could also be known as hill-folk or mound-folk. In Shetland and Orkney tales, trolls are called trowe."
"Nordic literature, art and music from the romantic era and onwards has adapted trolls in various manners – often in the form of an aboriginal race, endowed with oversized ears and noses. From here, as well as from Scandinavian fairy tales such as Three Billy Goats Gruff, trolls have achieved international recognition, and in modern fantasy literature and role-playing games, trolls are featured to the extent of being stock characters. Fantasy trolls, however, are highly stereotyped versions of their Scandinavian predecessors."
"The meaning of the word troll is uncertain. It might have had the originally meaning of supernatural or magical with an overlay of malignant and perilous. Another likely suggestion is that it means "someone who behaves violently". In old Swedish law, trolleri was a particular kind of magic intended to do harm. It should be noted that North Germanic terms such as trolldom (witchcraft) and trolla/trylle (perform magic tricks) does not imply any connection with the mythical beings. Moreover, in the sources for Norse mythology, troll can signify any uncanny being, including but not restricted to the Norse giants (jötnar)."
Masonic and Occult Symbols Illustrated - Dr. Cathy Burns (p65)
"Treasure Trolls come with a "wishstone," a crystal inserted in the belly button. Crystals are important to the New Age theology, as it is believed they possess a life force influence that can be tapped for healing purposes. The belly button is significant because it represents the umbilical connection, or the centre of the life force."
"The gems on the treasure troll doll have an additional significance, one not lost on the imagination of children. They are wishstones, talismans that can make their every dream come true."
Masonic and Occult Symbols Illustrated - Dr. Cathy Burns (p67)
"What most people don't realize is that the word Troll comes from the old Norse word for demon and is defined by some sources as a "devil: a person of great wickedness or maliciousness.""
Masonic and Occult Symbols Illustrated - Dr. Cathy Burns (p75)
"Troll: A hideous, evil earth-demon of Teutonic mythology living in caves. The troll can be a dwarf or a giant who also lives in the hills and under bridges."