Last Updated on October 7, 2024
Trolls exist as powerful beings, deeply connected to the natural world. They live in mountains, forests, and caves, watching over remote, untamed places. Large, fearsome, and ancient, trolls possess immense strength and knowledge. Their ability to shapeshift and control weather makes them formidable and mysterious. Some legends describe them as slow and dim-witted, while others depict them as cunning and intelligent. They represent forces of chaos and nature, unbound by human laws. Trolls can help or hinder humans, depending on how they are treated. In Asatru, they remind us to respect the wilderness and the forces beyond our control.
Trolls serve as guardians of sacred land and ancient secrets. Their presence challenges those who wander into the wild, forcing them to confront their fears. People leave offerings or avoid certain areas to appease them and keep peace between them and human communities. Many believe that trolls prefer to be left alone and that disturbing their domain brings misfortune. When respected, they may offer protection or guidance, but those who disrespect them may face harsh consequences.
Troll Names, Rune Associations, and Their Role in Asatru
Trolls are also known as jötnar, thurs, or risi, depending on their specific role and region. While some remain solitary, others belong to larger groups, often called clans. The term thurs ties them to the powerful Elder Futhark rune Thurisaz (ᚦ). Thurisaz represents chaos, strength, and the primal forces of nature—qualities that define the troll race. In Asatru, this rune symbolizes the need for balance between order and chaos, urging practitioners to respect untamed forces.
Thurisaz protects and warns against potential dangers, much like trolls themselves. When working with this rune, followers of Asatru tap into raw, untamed energy. The rune also serves as a reminder that power, though available, must be handled carefully. They embody this energy, standing as ancient beings who have seen countless ages come and go. Their ability to endure while the world around them changes makes them important figures in Asatru.
Trolls remind Asatru practitioners of the importance of strength, respect, and caution when dealing with the unknown. They also represent a connection to the wild, primal aspects of existence, far removed from the modern world. Through reverence for trolls and the forces they represent, Asatru followers stay in touch with the raw, untamed power of nature.
In honoring trolls and understanding their place, Asatru practitioners deepen their connection to the Earth and its mysteries. Trolls are not just mythic beings; they embody the raw power of the land itself.
