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On Trolls and other creatures... June 1, 2003 Recently we were browsing through the local Loppis (the Swedish second hand shop) and found a fascinating book all about mythical (or perhaps not) creatures that live in the countryside of Sweden. I have written earlier about the mysterious Storsjön monster, Sweden’s answer to the Loch Ness monster, and that gets a mention in the book, too, but it was interesting to read about the history and legends of the trolls and other creatures who are said to inhabit the forests. One of my favourite stories when I was a child was the story of the three billy goats gruff, in which the goats tried to cross a bridge guarded by a Troll. So I was fascinated to read the true story of Trolls. If you go walking in a remote forest and suddenly smell the aroma of new baked bread – despite the fact that there are no houses anywhere nearby – the chances are that you are close to a Troll house. Trolls live in caves in hills and mountains and it can be dangerous to be lured into their caves, as it can be very difficult to get out again. The book warns that if you are enticed into a Troll house, never, never eat any food that is offered, because if you do, there is a risk of being trapped in the mountain for eternity. The remedy, according to legends, is to sing as many verses of The Psalms that you can remember – Trolls cannot stand this for long and sooner or later will release you. I guess it also depends on the quality of the singing whether it is sooner rather than later. Another fascinating forest creature is the Skogsrå, perhaps the most beautiful of the forest inhabitants. But also one of the most deadly. The Skogsrå takes the form of a beautiful, naked girl with long hair. They like to lead folk astray. If you should happen to meet a Skogsrå in the forest, you can be sure that immediately you will have no idea of where you are and will be doomed to wander forever through the forest. The remedy, according to this wonderfully useful book, is to quickly take off your jacket, turn it inside out and then put it on again and you will soon regain your senses. The book fails to mention what to do if you happen to be out in the forest without a jacket. Skogsrå can vary in appearance according to where they live in Sweden. Those in the south are the most dangerous and can be recognised by a very large hole in the middle of their backs. Those from Jämtland are very hairy from the waist down, while those from middle Sweden can be identified by their long bushy tails. One of the more unusual creatures is the Puke. The Puke is the answer to many peoples dream, for it can bring money, food, in fact anything that can be wished for. However, as always, there is a small catch. To get all these things, you must sell your soul to the devil. For the more adventurous, the book gives a recipe to make your very own Puke. Be warned, some of the ingredients can be difficult to obtain and always remember that you will lose your soul if you succeed, but for those willing to try, here is the recipe: Ingredients: · 9 different sorts of wool, spun from 9 different sorts of hair · 9 partly burned sticks from 9 different types of wood · Some scrapings from church clocks · One communion wafer that has been spat out · Some communion wine · Three drops of blood (your own) Preparation: Spin together the nine different types of wool spun from the nine different types of hair. Bind them around the nine partly burned sticks to form a ball. Mix in the scrapings from several church clocks and the remnants of the communion wafer. All this should be done over three consecutive Thursday evenings, when the moon is on the wane. On the last Thursday evening, sprinkle some communion wine over the ball. Then (and this is the dangerous part), make a small cut in your left hand, little finger and allow a few drops of blood to fall onto the ball. At the same time, say aloud these words:- “If you for me will run and bring, then I for you will burn in hell” (Actually it sounds much better in Swedish). Then throw the ball over your left shoulder. If you have followed the instructions carefully, the Puke should now come to life and ask you want you want it to bring you. You can then ask for whatever you want. Let me know how it goes – I’m still trying to get some of those elusive scrapings from church clocks… Hälsningar till nästa vecka, ------------ About the author: Robin Alan Bell is an Englishman by birth, but migrated to Australia back in '72. Married and divorced there. Spent the last 3 years living by myself on a remote farm in rural New South Wales with no mains electricity, water etc. All power, heating was from natural resources (solar, wind, wood). "Met" a Swedish girl on the internet, came to Sweden for a holiday, loved the place (and the girl), moved to Sweden permanently Christmas 2001 and married the girl in Easter 2002. Living happily ever after... Email Robin Alan Bell: sosoft@ozemail.com.au Comment on this column in the forum. ------------ |
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