Troll Talk: Trolls in Modern Culture & Migration

In celebration of the 200th anniversary of Norwegian emigration to the United States follow trolls across the Atlantic, from Danish troll dolls of the 1950s to the “troll diaspora” in the American Midwest, where communities-built festivals, folk art, and even “troll towns” to preserve heritage and spark imagination.

How did trolls make their way from Scandinavian folklore to the shelves of American toy stores and the streets of Midwestern “troll towns”? This talk follows trolls across the Atlantic, exploring Danish troll dolls of the 1950s, Scandinavian immigration to the Midwest, and how communities have used trolls to celebrate heritage and attract visitors. From folk art to festivals, trolls remain powerful—and playful—symbols of cultural identity in today’s world.

Together, these talks reveal how trolls—once feared creatures of the wilderness—have become lasting symbols of identity, resilience, and creativity.