The Scandinavian mythology creatures are separated into two groups, Mountain People (Bjergfolk) and Elf People (Ellefolk). The names are a bit deceiving though, because not all Mountain People live in the mountains, and not all Elf People are elves, but the general rule is that Mountain People live in mountain areas or have their homes underground, while Elf People live in the forest/bog/swamp/field (ghosts are their own category, because they're not a people).
As usual there are three trolls because they get bigger and meaner the father up North you get. The biggest has the lightest skin because they turn to stone during the day, so they don't get a whole lot of sun, obviously. Trolls often have magic powers, but it usually involve turning one thing into another, including living things.
Truthfully, the Ogre doesn't really belong in the picture because they're French/English/German, but they're often compared to trolls even though they're completely different species, and the trolls are a good deal older than ogres. Ogres also tend to be a lot meaner than trolls (Shrek not counting of course).
Giants and the trolls far North are often confused with each other, but giants look like ordinary but big humans, and surprisingly trolls are often bigger than giants. They can be either mean or gentle.
Unlike what Tolkien told us in Lord of The Rings, dwarfs are not a warlike people at all in Nordic mythology. They live quietly underground where they dig for metals or steal gold from burial places. They would much rather bribe their way out trouble than fight.
Finally there's the jotuns who are by far the most powerful of the peoples. They can control the wild nature and have magic powers and knowledge not even the trolls can compete with. They're incredibly strong, and back in the day people often dreamt marrying a jotun.
Just curious... i read some factography about dwarves and elves - and there was an interesting topic there. In historic materials, there is nowhere said that dwarves are actually small. Since this is your native mythology (so i assume you know better) i would like to know if you do or do not agree with that.
Reading your Nordic creatures reminds me of this awesome movie called "The Troll Hunter". I enjoyed the naturalistic approach it took, and the end...whoo boy, such epic suspense, and the Jotnar was probably the BIGGEST movie monster I've ever seen.
It was a Norwegian film, but I've heard it's going to be remade in england...hope that doesn't suck!
Im really glad you're posting these (or posted, I should say XD ) I adore mythology and I'll admit with the exposure of movies like Thor and Avengers I'm very curious about Norse mythology. I realize Marvel is far from accurate, so this only helps me understand the true mythos more. Thank you so much
It was a Norwegian film, but I've heard it's going to be remade in england...hope that doesn't suck!