Trollkarl

Trollkarl is a Swedish noun meaning a wizard or sorcerer. The word is formed from the elements troll (troll or enchantment) and karl (man), and it is used to describe a male practitioner of magic. In Swedish folklore and traditional storytelling, a trollkarl is someone who wields magical powers, often appearing in tales as a knowledgeable figure or a conjurer.

In historical and literary contexts, trollkarls are depicted with a range of powers, from spellcasting and alchemy to divination and enchantments. The term appears in old chronicles and medieval-inspired fiction to signify characters who claim or exercise magical knowledge. The portrayal varies from benevolent mentors to treacherous antagonists, reflecting broader conventions of the wizard archetype in Scandinavian storytelling.

In modern usage, trollkarl is common in fantasy literature, films, comics, and role-playing games as a direct translation for "wizard." It is also used as a stage name or character designation in popular culture. The term remains a neutral descriptor of a magic user in Swedish, retaining associations with both traditional folklore and contemporary fantasy.