Johan and the Trolls.[1](#xd32e1587)
by Herman Hofberg · from Swedish fairy tales
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Adapted Version
Once there was a boy named Johan. He worked on a farm. The Farmer asked him for a horse. A man needed to ride.
Johan went to the field for Bronte. Bronte did not want to come. The horse ran away. Johan felt a little cross. He ran after Bronte. He came to a tall cliff.
Johan looked up the cliff. He saw a beautiful Mountain Girl. She sat on a big rock. She called out to Johan.
"Come here," the Mountain Girl said. Johan said, "I cannot." She said, "Try." He went up the cliff. He stood by her.
A soft cloud came around Johan. The Mountain Girl took his hand. She led him into the mountain. Johan wanted to stay and play. He forgot his home. He forgot his friends. He forgot the Farmer.
Many years passed. The Farmer needed a horse again. He went to the field. He looked up at the cliff. He saw Johan there. Johan stood very still. His eyes looked sad. He did not move.
"Johan, come down!" the Farmer called. Johan did not move. The Farmer threw his cap. Johan put it on. But he stayed there.
The Farmer threw his shirt. Johan put it on. The Farmer threw his pants. Johan put them on. He threw all his clothes. Johan wore them all. Then Johan could move. He crawled down the cliff.
The Farmer took Johan's hand. They walked home fast. They did not look back. The Farmer was happy. Johan was home again. He was safe.
Johan was home. But he was not the same. He was quiet now. He thought about the mountain. He was not a happy boy. He did not talk much.
Johan told the Farmer his story. He said the mountain folk made him help. They gave him a red hat. The hat let him fly fast. He flew through doors. He went to stores. He took corn and fish. He carried big sacks. He carried big barrels. He did this for the mountain folk.
Johan felt sad about it. He forgot his home. He forgot his friends. He forgot his real life. He wished he remembered. He wished he stayed home. It is good to remember your home. It is good to remember your friends. Johan learned this now.
Original Story
Johan and the Trolls.1
In Ingeltrop, a parish of North Wedbo, there once lived a farmer who had a servant named Johan.
One day a traveler arrived from Myntorp Inn, and the farmer having been notified that it was his turn to furnish a conveyance for him to the next inn, Johan was sent to the pasture to catch a horse. A halter thrown over his shoulder, he set out, whistling the latest love song. Arriving at the pasture, it was soon clear to him that “Bronte” was in no humor to submit to the halter, and though he now and then allowed himself to be approached, no sooner was the attempt made to lay hold on him than he was off, with head and heels in the air, to a safe distance. Johan persevered, perspiration streaming from his forehead, but in vain. Angered at last, he began to swear in a most ungodly manner, still pursuing the horse until his progress was suddenly checked by a high cliff, to the very base of which he had run before discovering it. Naturally casting his glance upward, as he halted, he saw, sitting upon a crag, a beautiful maiden, apparently combing her hair.
“Are you there, my dear boy?” called the maiden.
Johan, not easily frightened, answered her cheerily:
“Yes, my sweetheart.”
“Come here, then,” called the maiden.
“I can’t,” replied Johan.
“Try, Johan.” And he did, to his astonishment finding a foothold on the smooth cliff where before no unevenness was discoverable, and soon he was at the maiden’s side. She looked at him with great, wondering eyes, then, suddenly enveloping him in a mist, clouded his understanding so that he was no longer master of his movements, and was, in fact, transformed completely from the Johan he had been to a being like his companion. He forgot horse, home, relatives and friends. Half unconscious, he was conducted into the mountain, and was gone from the sight and power of those who would seek him.
“Bronte” was in harness many good days thereafter, and the farmer became the driver, for, as his sons were growing up, he did not wish to hire another servant in Johan’s stead.
One day, many years after Johan’s disappearance, it was again the farmer’s turn to furnish a horse to a traveler. Grumbling at the fate of Johan, he went to the pasture.
“It was too bad for the boy,” said he to himself. “I wonder if he has been caught by the Trolls?” At the same time he chanced to look upward at the cliff where the servant had seen the Troll maiden, and there stood Johan, but with lusterless eyes, staring into vacancy.
“Johan, my dear boy, is that you?” shouted the farmer. “Come down.”
“I can not,” answered Johan, with husky, unnatural voice.
Hereupon the farmer threw his cap to Johan, which the latter picked up and put on his head.
“Come down,” cried the farmer, “before the Trolls come. In the name of the saints, come down.”
“I can’t,” said Johan again.
Then the farmer threw his clothes up, garment after garment, and when Johan had clothed himself in them he received power enough that he was able to crawl down the cliff. His master took him by the hand, and without looking back they hastened home, the farmer repeating:
“Pshaw! you cunning black Trolls! As a stone, I’ll quiet your wicked tongues that they may neither evil think nor speak or do ought against me.”
They arrived home, the one dressed the other naked. The traveler was obliged to procure another horse, for in the house of the farmer the joy was so great that none there had a thought of driving him. Johan was never again the same man as before, but remained gloomy and rarely spoke.
His master asked him many times what his occupation was in the mountain, but upon this subject he was silent. It happened that Johan was taken sick and called for a confessor, to whom, when he confessed his sins, he related also his experience in the mountain. His chief employment, he said, had been to steal food for the Trolls. For this purpose the Trolls put a red hat upon him, when he could, in a very short time, fly to Jönköping through locked doors and into the merchants’ stores, where he took corn, salt, fish and whatever he wished. From the Troll cap he received such power that he could take a sack of rye under each arm and a barrel of fish upon his back, and fly as lightly through the air as with no burden whatever.
“It was wrong of me and hard on the merchants,” said Johan, “but it was the fault of the Trolls. If there were no Trolls in the world the merchants would become rich, but now they must pay tribute, and so are kept on the verge of bankruptcy.” And Johan was done.
1 Before the days of railroads and regularly equipped stage lines, it was the duty, established by law, of the farmers and others owning horses to, in their turn, furnish travelers with means of conveyance from the inn of their neighborhood to the next. Upon the arrival of a traveler at an inn a servant was dispatched to the neighbor whose turn it was, and he was expected to promptly furnish horse, wagon and driver. ↑
Story DNA
Moral
Beware of the allure of the supernatural, for it can steal your will and lead you to do wrong.
Plot Summary
Johan, a farmer's servant, is bewitched by a beautiful maiden on a cliff after becoming frustrated with a horse. He is taken into a mountain by trolls and transformed, forgetting his past life. Years later, his former master finds him on the same cliff, vacant and unable to move. By throwing his own clothes to Johan, the farmer breaks the spell, allowing Johan to descend. Johan returns home but remains gloomy and silent, eventually confessing on his deathbed that he was forced by the trolls to steal food for them using a magical red hat.
Themes
Emotional Arc
normalcy to bewitchment to rescue to melancholic resignation
Writing Style
Narrative Elements
Cultural Context
The story reflects a time when travel infrastructure was rudimentary, relying on local community obligations, and folk beliefs in nature spirits (trolls) were prevalent.
Plot Beats (12)
- Johan, a farmer's servant, is tasked with catching a horse for a traveler.
- Frustrated by the horse's evasiveness, Johan swears and finds himself at a high cliff.
- He sees a beautiful maiden on the cliff who calls to him.
- Johan, despite the smooth cliff, finds a foothold and ascends to the maiden.
- The maiden envelops him in a mist, transforming him and leading him into the mountain, making him forget his old life.
- Years later, the farmer, again needing a horse, sees Johan on the same cliff, but Johan is vacant and unable to move.
- The farmer throws his cap to Johan, who puts it on, but still cannot descend.
- The farmer throws his clothes, garment by garment, which Johan puts on, gaining the power to crawl down the cliff.
- The farmer and Johan hasten home without looking back, the farmer cursing the trolls.
- Johan is home but is permanently changed, gloomy and mostly silent.
- On his deathbed, Johan confesses to a confessor that he was forced by the trolls to steal food for them using a magical red hat that allowed him to fly and carry heavy loads.
- Johan expresses remorse for the merchants he stole from, blaming the trolls for their plight.
Characters
Johan ★ protagonist
Initially a robust young man, likely of average height and build, accustomed to farm labor. After his time with the trolls, his eyes become lusterless, and his overall demeanor is gloomy, suggesting a physical and mental drain, though his build remains capable of carrying heavy loads.
Attire: Initially wears practical, sturdy peasant clothing suitable for farm work in 19th-century Sweden: likely a coarse linen or wool shirt, sturdy trousers, and possibly a waistcoat. After his rescue, he is naked until his master throws him his old clothes, which he then wears. When stealing for the trolls, he wears a 'red hat' (Troll cap).
Wants: Initially motivated by duty to his master. After being enchanted, his motivation is entirely controlled by the trolls, compelling him to steal. Upon his return, he seems to lack clear personal motivation, driven more by a lingering sense of duty or resignation.
Flaw: Susceptible to magical enchantment and easily swayed or controlled by external forces (the Troll maiden, the Troll cap). His initial anger also makes him vulnerable.
Transforms from a cheerful, active farmhand into an enchanted servant of trolls, losing his identity and free will. He is rescued but remains permanently changed, becoming gloomy and silent, though he eventually finds peace through confession.
Initially cheerful, persistent (trying to catch Bronte), and not easily frightened. After his experience, he becomes gloomy, silent, and somewhat detached, indicating a profound psychological impact.
Image Prompt & Upload
A young adult man standing upright, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. He has a sturdy build, fair skin, and a somber, vacant expression with dull, light-colored eyes. His light brown hair is practical and short, typical of a 19th-century Swedish peasant. He wears a coarse, dark grey linen shirt, sturdy brown wool trousers, and simple leather boots. His posture is slightly hunched, conveying a sense of weariness. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Troll Maiden ⚔ antagonist
Described as 'beautiful maiden,' suggesting human-like features but with an underlying magical, perhaps ethereal, quality. She is seen sitting on a crag, implying a connection to the rocky landscape.
Attire: Not explicitly described, but as a beautiful maiden of the mountains, she would likely wear garments that blend with nature or appear ancient and magical, perhaps flowing, earthy-toned fabrics, or even appearing partially adorned with natural elements like moss or flowers, consistent with Scandinavian folklore.
Wants: To capture humans and bring them into the troll world, likely to serve the trolls.
Flaw: Not explicitly stated, but the farmer's invocation of saints and throwing human clothes suggests a vulnerability to human artifacts and holy words.
Remains unchanged, a static antagonist representing the dangers of the supernatural.
Deceptive, enchanting, powerful, manipulative. She lures Johan with a seemingly innocent appearance.
Image Prompt & Upload
A beautiful young woman with an ethereal quality, sitting gracefully on a rocky crag, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. She has long, flowing light brown hair that she is combing, and large, captivating green eyes. Her skin is fair and smooth. She wears a flowing gown of deep forest green linen, with subtle embroidery resembling vines at the hem and cuffs, appearing ancient and natural. Her posture is serene yet alluring. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Farmer ◆ supporting
An older man, likely sturdy from a lifetime of farm work, perhaps a bit gruff but ultimately caring. His grumbling suggests a weathered face and a practical, no-nonsense demeanor.
Attire: Practical, sturdy peasant clothing typical for a farmer in 19th-century Sweden: likely a coarse wool jacket, linen shirt, sturdy trousers, and a cap.
Wants: To fulfill his duties (furnish a horse), to care for his servant Johan, and to protect his household from evil.
Flaw: Superstitious, perhaps a bit quick to grumble.
Remains largely unchanged, serving as a steadfast figure who brings Johan back to the human world.
Grumbling, practical, responsible, persistent (in trying to get Johan back), caring (for Johan), superstitious (invoking saints).
Image Prompt & Upload
An elderly man with a sturdy build, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. He has a weathered face with deep wrinkles, a stern yet concerned expression, and a short, grey beard. His thinning grey hair is covered by a dark blue wool cap. He wears a thick, dark brown wool jacket over a cream linen shirt, sturdy grey trousers, and worn leather boots. His posture is solid and determined. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Bronte ○ minor
A spirited horse, likely strong and agile, given its ability to evade Johan. The name 'Bronte' (meaning thunder) suggests a powerful build, perhaps a dark coat, though not specified.
Attire: None, other than a halter when being caught, and later a harness when working.
Wants: To remain free in the pasture, to avoid being caught and put to work.
Flaw: Ultimately domesticated and subject to human will.
Remains unchanged, a consistent element of the farm life.
Playful, stubborn, spirited, intelligent (in evading capture).
Image Prompt & Upload
A powerful, dark brown horse with a flowing black mane and tail, standing in a pasture, facing forward, full body visible head to toe. Its head is held high, with intelligent, dark eyes and flared nostrils. Its posture is alert and spirited, with one front hoof slightly raised as if about to move. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Locations
Pasture by the High Cliff
A Swedish pasture, likely with some scattered trees and open grassy areas, leading abruptly to the base of a high, smooth rock cliff face. The ground is uneven in places, and the air is clear.
Mood: Initially frustrating and mundane, then suddenly mysterious and enchanting, later desolate and eerie.
Johan first encounters the Troll maiden, is enchanted, and disappears into the mountain. Years later, the farmer finds Johan here, lifeless and under the Trolls' spell.
Image Prompt & Upload
A rugged, high rock cliff face dominates the background, its surface appearing smooth and almost featureless, with a small, barely visible crag near the top. At its base, a verdant Swedish pasture stretches out, dotted with wildflowers and short, hardy grasses. The afternoon sun casts long shadows, highlighting the texture of the rock and the gentle undulations of the field. The sky above is a clear, pale blue. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
Inside the Mountain (Troll Dwelling)
A hidden dwelling within a mountain, likely cavernous and dark, serving as the home of the Trolls. It is where Johan is held captive and forced to steal.
Mood: Mysterious, oppressive, dark, magical, with an underlying sense of malevolence.
Johan's years of captivity, where he is transformed and forced to steal for the Trolls using a magical red cap.
Image Prompt & Upload
A vast, dimly lit cavern deep within a mountain, its rough-hewn stone walls glistening with dampness. Strange, phosphorescent mosses cling to the rock formations, casting an eerie, soft glow. Shadows stretch into unseen depths, hinting at hidden passages. Piles of mundane stolen goods like sacks of grain and barrels of fish are haphazardly stacked against the uneven rock surfaces. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
Farmer's House in Ingeltrop
A traditional Swedish farmhouse, likely a simple, sturdy timber structure with a practical interior. It's a place of everyday life, family, and eventual reunion.
Mood: Warm, familiar, initially concerned, later filled with great joy and relief, but also tinged with lingering sadness.
The farmer's home life, the initial concern over Johan's disappearance, and the joyous but bittersweet reunion after Johan is rescued.
Image Prompt & Upload
The interior of a traditional Swedish farmhouse, featuring sturdy, unpainted timber walls and a low, beamed ceiling. A large, stone-built hearth dominates one wall, casting a warm, flickering glow across the room. Simple, functional wooden furniture, like a scrubbed pine table and benches, is arranged on a worn plank floor. Natural light filters softly through small, multi-paned windows. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
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