Living Among Trolls

Once upon a time, in the heart of Norway, there was a small village burrowed in the mountains. The villagers were capable people, used to the ruthless winters and the long, dark nights. But they had a secret that they kept from the rest of the world: they lived among trolls.

The trolls were not like the ones you see in fairy tales. They were not vicious, nor did they turn to stone at the first touch of sunlight. They were, in fact, quite friendly, if a bit mischievous. They would often play pranks on the villagers, stealing their food, hiding their tools, or making off with their sleighs. But the villagers didn't mind too much, for they knew that the trolls meant no torment.

One day, a young girl named Greta went into the forest to pick cloudberries. She wandered deeper into the woods, until she came across a glade. In the center of the glade was a small cottage, and outside the cottage was a a tiny young forest troll.

The forest troll was unlike any she had ever seen. He was small and plump, with rosy red cheeks and a big hairy feet. He greeted her excitedly, and invited her inside for tea. It had been a while since he had company.

Greta was hesitant at first, for she had been taught to fear all trolls. But the troll was so friendly, and the cottage so cozy, that she soon forgot her fears. They talked for hours, about everything from the northern lights to their favorite treats.

As the sun began to set, Greta realized that she had to go home. The troll gave her a basket of cloudberries to take with her, and promised to visit her in the village sometime.

From that day on, Greta visited the troll in the forest whenever she could. They became fast friends, and the troll even began to visit the village, much to the delight of the other villagers.

And so, the secret of the trolls was no longer a secret. The villagers and the forest trolls lived together in peace, each respecting the other's ways. And whenever a traveler passed through the village, they would hear tales of the friendly forest trolls of Norway, and they would smile, knowing that there was still magic in the world for all to experience.