According to Norwegian mythology, these repulsive dwarfs who live in hidden places steal children and property and hate noise. What are they called?

These classic figures from Scandinavian folklore are indeed trolls. In ancient tales, they were often depicted as monstrous, ugly beings dwelling in isolated places like caves, mountains, or forests. They were known for their malevolence, frequently stealing livestock, property, and even swapping human babies for their own offspring, a concept known as a changeling. Their aversion to noise, particularly the ringing of church bells, was a common theme, as was their fatal weakness to sunlight, which would turn them to stone.

On the big screen, the depiction of trolls has varied wildly, showcasing their evolution in popular culture. Films like *The Lord of the Rings* and *Harry Potter* present them as the classic brutish, dim-witted monsters of legend, a formidable physical threat to the heroes. In stark contrast, Disney's *Frozen (Review)* reimagined them as wise, friendly, and magical rock creatures who offer guidance. The Norwegian found-footage film *Trollhunter* takes yet another approach, treating the mythological beings as real-world biological specimens, directly playing with the ancient tales of their different species and their vulnerability to UV light.