trolls

Trolls are beings from Scandinavian folklore and later European fairy tales. They are typically portrayed as large, humanoid creatures that inhabit remote places such as mountains, caves, or forests. Many traditional stories present trolls as dangerous or foolish, guarding treasures, abducting travelers, or preying on livestock. In several motifs, trolls are vulnerable to exposure to light and may turn to stone if exposed to daylight. Different regional traditions describe subtypes, such as mountain trolls, stone trolls, and water trolls, sometimes with varying powers or appetites.

Traditional tales often present trolls as obstacles to be outwitted or defeated by human protagonists. The best known is the Three Billy Goats Gruff, where a bridge troll demands a toll from travelers. In later fantasy, trolls appear as formidable creatures, shapeshifters, or comic figures, and they figure in many sagas, folktales, and modern media with diverse depictions that blend menace and humor.

Today, troll refers to a modern Internet phenomenon: individuals who deliberately provoke or disrupt online communities by posting inflammatory, off-topic, or deceptive messages. Tactics include flaming, baiting, derailing discussions, and spreading misinformation. Motives range from seeking attention or amusement to pushing ideological agendas or harassing others. The presence of trolls has led platforms to adopt moderation strategies such as clear rules, reporting, user blocking, and temporary suspensions. Not every controversial post is a troll, and distinguishing satire or dissent from trolling can be challenging.

Across cultures, the term troll also informs fantasy media, games, and online discourse. Folkloric trolls influence contemporary fiction, while internet trolls shape moderation practices and discussions about online civility and free speech.