Troll (disambiguation) facts for kids

A troll is a word that can mean different things, depending on the situation. It might refer to a creature from old stories, or it could describe a type of behavior people do online. This article will help you understand the different meanings of "troll."

What is a Mythological Troll?

In old stories and folklore, a troll is a creature that often looks big, ugly, and sometimes a bit scary. These creatures come from the traditional tales of Northern Europe, especially from countries like Norway, Sweden, and Denmark.

Trolls in Old Stories

Trolls are usually described as living in dark, hidden places like caves, mountains, or deep forests. They are often very strong and sometimes guard treasures. Some stories say that if a troll is caught in sunlight, it might turn into stone! They are not always friendly and can be quite mischievous or even dangerous in these old tales.

Trolls in Modern Entertainment

You might have seen trolls in many modern books, movies, and video games. They often appear as large, powerful beings, sometimes with a grumpy look. For example, trolls are characters in popular fantasy stories like the "Harry Potter" series and "The Lord of the Rings." In these stories, they are usually shown as strong, but not always very smart, creatures.

Internet Trolls: Online Behavior

The word "troll" also describes a type of behavior that happens on the internet. An internet troll is someone who tries to upset, annoy, or provoke other people online. They do this by posting comments or messages that are meant to start arguments or make others angry.

What is Internet Trolling?

Internet trolling is when someone deliberately tries to cause trouble or emotional reactions from others online. They might post false information, make rude comments, or say things just to get a rise out of people. The goal of an internet troll is often to get attention or simply to cause chaos, rather than to have a real discussion. This behavior is not about being helpful or kind.

Why Do People Troll Online?

People might troll for different reasons. Sometimes, they do it because they are bored or want attention. Being anonymous online can make some people feel brave enough to say things they wouldn't say in person. They might find it amusing to see others get upset, even though it can be very hurtful to the people they are targeting.

How to Deal with Internet Trolls

If you encounter an internet troll, the best thing to do is usually to ignore them. This is often called "don't feed the trolls," because responding to them is exactly what they want. You can also block them so you don't see their messages anymore. If someone is being very mean or threatening, it's important to report their behavior to the website or platform and talk to a trusted adult, like a parent or teacher.

Movies Called Troll

There are also a few movies that have "Troll" in their title. These films often feature creatures that are inspired by the mythological trolls from folklore.

• Troll (1986): This is a fantasy horror movie about a magical troll.
• Troll 2 (1990): This film is a different movie and is known for being a cult classic.
• Troll 3: Another horror movie that continues the theme of these creatures.