Well, How Is Your Appetite, Continued The Troll Mother (1915 CE)

The artwork titled “Nå, hur är det med aptiten fortsatte trollmor” (“Well, how is your appetite, continued the troll mother”) is a striking illustration by John Bauer, created in 1915 for Walter Stenström’s story “The Boy and the Trolls or The Adventure” from the anthology “Among Gnomes and Trolls”. This illustration vividly depicts a tense moment in the story where the troll mother confronts the captured princess, unaware of the magical intervention by the fairies. Bauer’s work captures the dark and eerie atmosphere of the scene, drawing the viewer into the mysterious world of Swedish folklore.

The specific tale, “The Boy and the Trolls or The Adventure”, tells the story of a boy who embarks on an adventure that leads him to the dark forest where trolls and other mythical creatures dwell. This illustration captures a crucial moment in the narrative where the imprisoned princess is visited by the troll mother, adding a layer of tension and foreboding to the story. Bauer’s depiction of the troll mother, with her exaggerated features, and the eerie atmosphere of the scene, captures the essence of Swedish folklore, where the boundaries between reality and myth are fluid.

“Well, how is your appetite, continued the troll mother” is significant within the context of Swedish folklore and fairy tales. Bauer’s work is known for its ability to evoke the magical and often dark nature of these stories, reflecting the cultural fascination with the supernatural and the unknown. The illustration portrays the troll mother as a grotesque and sinister figure, symbolizing the dangers that lurk in the wild, untamed parts of the world. The scene also underscores the theme of innocence versus corruption, with the princess representing purity trapped in a world of darkness.

The illustration measures 27 × 28.6 cm or 10.6 × 11.3 inches and is executed in Bauer’s signature style, combining fine lines and intricate details with a muted color palette to create a sense of depth and texture. The composition centers on the troll mother and the princess, with careful attention to the contrast between the dark, oppressive environment of the troll’s chamber. Bauer’s use of shading and texture enhances the otherworldly atmosphere of the scene, making it a powerful visual representation of the story’s themes.

The illustration was originally published in the 1915 edition of “Among Gnomes and Trolls” and has since become one of John Bauer’s most recognized works.