What is the Difference Between Ogre and Troll

Ogres and trolls are both grotesque creatures we find in folklore and fairy tales. Both these creatures are usually larger than humans and live in in remote and desolate places. Although they share many similarities, ogres and trolls are not the same.

The key difference between ogre and troll is their descriptions. Ogres are large, brutish humanoids, often described as man-eaters, whereas trolls are large grotesque creatures that turn into stone when exposed to sunlight.

CONTENTS

1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is an Ogre  
3. What is a Troll
4. Similarities – Ogre and Troll
5. Ogre vs Troll in Tabular Form
6. Summary – Ogre vs Troll
7. FAQ – Ogre and Troll

What is an Ogre?

An ogre is a mythical creature that is large, strong and fearsome. They are often found in fairy tales and folk tales in various cultures. In these tales, ogres are described as humanoid monsters with grotesque features, such as a distorted, brutish face, sharp teeth, and a rugged, muscular body. They are often related to giants. In most tales, they are cruel and prefer human flesh, especially that of children. Moreover, they are usually portrayed as villains in folklore or legends. For example, in some versions of popular tales like “Puss in Boots” and “Jack and the Beanstalk,” ogres are the main adversaries of the hero.

In most European stories, ogres are solitary creatures found in dark forests or desolate mountains, living in caves or abandoned castles. However, various cultures depict ogres in different ways. For example, in Japanese mythology, oni are similar to ogres. They are large, fearsome creatures with horns, wild hair, and a menacing demeanor. These oni can be malevolent spirits, but they are sometimes shown as protectors or even comedic figures.

Ogres are not always purely evil. In some stories, they are lonely, sad, or misunderstood creatures. Modern adaptations in literature and media often explore these aspects. The character of Shrek, from the popular animated film series, is a good example of this. Shrek is an ogre who has a kind heart and longs for acceptance and companionship in the popular movie series.

What is a Troll?

Trolls are another type of legendary creature found in folklore, especially in Scandinavian and Nordic mythology. They are also depicted as large, grotesque beings, often dwelling in remote and desolate places such as mountains, caves, or deep forests. They are generally described as having a brutish and monstrous form, with features like enormous size, thick skin, long noses, and wild, unkempt hair. However, these characteristics can vary widely depending on the origin of the story. According to most folklore, exposure to daylight can cause trolls to turn to stone.

Trolls also appear in various roles in folklore and fairy tales. In some stories, they are depicted as malicious beings, kidnapping humans, especially children, and causing general chaos. In others, they can be portrayed as more complex characters. In some tales, they are even capable of forming alliances with humans under certain conditions. The famous Norwegian folktale “Three Billy Goats Gruff” has a troll as the antagonist, guarding a bridge and threatening to devour the goats who attempt to cross it until he is outsmarted by the smallest goat.

Most modern fantasy literature and films also feature trolls. For example, trolls are found in J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Hobbit” and “The Lord of the Rings” as well as J.K. Rowling’s “Harry Potter” series.

Similarities Between Ogre and Troll

1. Ogres and trolls are both mythological creatures found in folklore and fairy tales.
2. They are often depicted as large, grotesque beings, often dwelling in remote and desolate places.
3. Most tales portray them as evil beings.
4. The descriptions of trolls and ogres vary according to different cultures.

Difference Between Ogre and Troll

Definition

1. An ogre is a mythical monster described as a large, hideous, man-like being that eats ordinary human beings, especially infants and children.
2. A troll is a mythical creature found in the folklore, especially in Scandinavian and Nordic mythology, and described as large, grotesque beings, often dwelling in remote and desolate places such as mountains, caves, or forests.

Cultural Origin

1. Ogres are from European (particularly French) folklore.
2. Trolls are from Scandinavian folklore.

Appearance

1. Ogres are typically large, brutish humanoids.
2. Trolls can be either large or small, often with more grotesque features.

Sunlight

1. Trolls do not turn into stone upon exposure to sunlight.
2. In most tales, exposure to sunlight can turn trolls into stone.

Eating Habits

1. Trolls eat humans, especially infants and children.
2. Ogres may or may not eat human flesh.

The following table summarizes the difference between ogre and troll.

Summary – Ogre vs Troll

Ogres and trolls are both mythological creatures found in folklore and fairy tales. Ogres are from European (specially French) folklore while trolls are from Scandinavian folklore. Ogres are large, brutish humanoids, often described as man-eaters, whereas trolls are large grotesque creatures that turn into stone when exposed to sunlight. This is the summary of the difference between ogre and troll.

FAQ: Ogre and Troll

1. Is Shrek an ogre or a troll?

• Shrek is not a troll. He is large and green, with ogre-like features like a big nose and ears. However, he shows more intelligence and emotional depth than the typical dim-witted ogre.

2. What makes an ogre an ogre?

• Ogres are bigger than humans, often related to giants. They’re typically described as ugly with rough skin, large noses, and excessive body hair. They have a voracious appetite and are known to eat humans, especially children.

3. What is a troll’s weakness?

• If a troll is caught in sunlight, it will turn to stone. This is why trolls are often described as night creatures. The sound of church bells is said to be very unpleasant or even deadly to trolls.

4. Do trolls have 4 fingers?

• It’s important to note that descriptions of trolls vary according to different regions. According to ancient Norwegian legend, trolls have only four fingers on each hand and four toes on each foot. But in most other legends, trolls have two fingers and a thumb on each hand.

5. What kills trolls in mythology?

• In mythology, exposure to sunlight can turn trolls to stone. In addition, lightning and the sound of church bells are also said to repel trolls in some folk tales.

Reference:

1. “Ogre.” Wikipedia. Wikipedia Foundation.

2. “Troll.” Wikipedia. Wikipedia Foundation.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Lechatbotte4” By Gustave Doré – Les Contes de Perrault (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia

2. “John Bauer 1915” By John Bauer – Illustration of Walter Stenström’s The boy and the trolls or The Adventure in childrens’ anthology Among pixies and trolls, a collection of childrens’ stories, 1915. (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia