In this section of the Colossus Movie Guide for Troll, we look at important motifs that help us understand the film. 

Important motifs in Troll

Christian iconography

Troll’s major theme is about ancient Norwegian traditions, culture, and myths being lost to the country’s transformation to a mostly Christian nation. With the Troll King representative of all that is old. The Christian iconography throughout Troll is important because it represents the country’s present day. Whether it’s the soldier who prays with a cross. Or the effort to defeat the Troll King using church bells. Or the plot point that the Royal Palace of Oslo, home of an important church, was built on top of the Troll King’s original home. 

Rocks, mountains, nature

In contrast to the Christian iconography, there’s an emphasis on Norway’s historic connection with nature. While Italy and Greece had cities with hundreds of thousands of people, and England as a country had a population of over a million, Norway was small. Rural. No major cities. Clusters of people rather than masses. Which meant people were more in touch with the land around them. Which was reflected in their myths and folklore. Before the church came through and modernized a lot of Norway, the country was rugged. A place befitting of a Troll King. 

What are your thoughts?

Are there more motifs you think should be part of the Colossus Movie Guide for Troll? Leave your thoughts below and we’ll consider them for the guide.