The Troll Herb (1912 CE)

The artwork titled Trollörten (The Troll Herb) is an evocative illustration created in 1912 by John Bauer, featured in the Swedish anthology Bland tomtar och troll (Among Gnomes and Trolls). The painting serves as an illustration for the story The Boy Who Was Never Afraid, and it vividly captures a scene where a mystical forest creature offers a magical herb to a brave young boy. The work is a blend of watercolor, gouache, ink, and pencil, bringing the fantastical elements of the story to life with an earthy brown palette and subtle details.

This illustration was created in 1912 as part of the Swedish folklore anthology Bland tomtar och troll, a series that has been central to Scandinavian children’s literature. The illustration accompanies a tale by Alfred Smedberg, an author known for his contributions to the preservation of Swedish folklore through storytelling. The specific tale, “The boy who was never afraid,” centers on a fearless boy who ventures into the depths of the Hultaskogen forest to rescue his family’s only milk cow from the clutches of a troll. The illustration is a visual representation of a critical moment in the story, emphasizing the interaction between the boy and the forest witch, Skogsrå, who presents him with the enchanted troll herb.

An interesting anecdote related to this artwork is found in the tale itself. The boy, whose courage knows no bounds, encounters various terrifying creatures in the forest, including the green-haired forest witch Skogsrå, who becomes ensnared in her own long hair. Demonstrating his kindness, the boy helps her out of this predicament, and in gratitude, she gives him a piece of the troll herb. This herb, which no one but Skogsrå can find, grants the boy the ability to communicate with the forest’s creatures, ultimately aiding him in his quest. The artwork captures this pivotal exchange, symbolizing the moment when the boy’s destiny is intertwined with the magical elements of the forest.

Trollörten is significant both culturally and artistically within the context of Swedish folklore and children’s literature. The painting reflects the deep connection between humans and nature, a recurring theme in Scandinavian mythology. The troll herb itself is a potent symbol of the magical bond between the protagonist and the natural world, illustrating how kindness and courage can bridge the gap between human beings and the mystical forces of the forest.

The painting measures 25 x 25 cm (9.8 x 9.8 inches) and is executed in watercolor with details in gouache, ink, and pencil. The use of a brown color scheme evokes the earthy and mystical atmosphere of the forest, while the green tint of the troll’s hair adds a touch of otherworldliness. The artist’s technique combines the fluidity of watercolor with the precision of ink and pencil, creating a delicate balance between softness and detail. The text on the reverse side of the painting reads: “Here, you shall have a piece of a troll herb, which no one but I can find.”

The painting, originally created as an illustration for Smedberg’s tale, has been preserved and is currently housed in the Jönköpings läns museum in Sweden.