What Is A Troll Cross?

The Troll Cross takes its name from the word “Trollkors,” which is Swedish for “magic cross.” A traditional troll cross is crafted from a single piece of metal and bent so it has a round body and two overlapping, inward-curving tails.

In Nordic mythology and folklore, trolls were supernatural beings who lived in areas of remote wilderness, including mountains, forests, and even the ocean. Trolls were massive in both strength and size and resented human intrusion into their territories. While trolls were often portrayed as unintelligent and belligerent, there are also stories in which they help humans, particularly children but also adults who display goodwill.

It was thought wearing a troll cross while traveling or entering unknown territory would help keep a person safe from trolls and signal respect and goodwill.

Traditionally forged from iron, a metal thought to offer protection against fairies and other malevolent or trickster creatures, the troll cross can be worn as jewelry or carried as a talisman (e.g. keychain, rearview mirror charm, etc). In modern times they are more popularly found in stainless steel or fine metals like silver and gold, which are easier to wear as jewelry due to their longevity and lack of rust.

For more information on Trolls and their folklore, I recommend the book “Trolls: An Unnatural History” by John Lindow. Click on the book image below to visit the publisher’s page and learn more.

To purchase a hand-forged Troll Cross pendant: click here, visit the Shop menu here on Shieldmaiden’s Sanctum, or click on the troll cross image below.